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Tyler Morton has revealed the "very honest" conversations he had with Arne Slot when informed he wouldn't feature in the head coach's Liverpool plans.
The England hopeful has expressed his "eternal" gratitude towards both the current Reds manager and his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp. Morton dedicated 17 years to Liverpool, progressing through the club's youth system to feature in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, before severing his lengthy ties with the club during the summer.
The 22-year-old moved to Lyon; Liverpool did include a 20 percent sell-on clause in the deal. The departure followed Morton's discussions with Slot regarding his prospects after being limited to merely five outings - with no Premier League involvement - during the previous campaign.
The midfielder had enjoyed more regular opportunities under Klopp during his breakthrough season at Anfield before successful temporary stints in the Championship with Blackburn and subsequently Hull.
Morton, who started the Champions League fixtures at home against Porto and away to AC Milan during the 2021-22 campaign, told the Liverpool ECHO: "Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development.
"I think at that moment, I was ready to play.
"I'm not saying that no one believed it, but I think I was ready, and Klopp thought so too. He gave me the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a very big club. He believed in me, allowed me to go out on loan, to develop.
"With Arne Slot, I didn't play as much as I wanted, even though I was ready.
"It was his decision, and I took it calmly, but I had to find another path. He was very open and very honest with me at the end of last season.
"We talked a lot, and he let me join OL (Lyon). It was the best decision. I will be eternally grateful to Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, in different ways. They are excellent managers, but also great men.
"Jurgen just wanted the best for me, he made me play great games in the Champions League and the Premier League. It was a great time, he helped me improve at every level."
Morton completed his move to Lyon in August following his contribution to England's successful defence of the country's UEFA European U21 Championship title, with his delivery in the final against Germany being finished by Jonathan Rowe to secure a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory.
When questioned about his aspirations to break into the senior England setup ahead of the World Cup, Morton responded: "I'm a very ambitious person.
"I'd like to play for my country first, before thinking about the World Cup.
"A World Cup is an important step in a player's career, and it would be incredible. I hope to have the opportunity, if I continue to play, play well, and enjoy myself here."
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