MX23RW : Tuesday, November 26 05:40:03| >> :120:24215:24215:

Jurgen Klopp: 'Departing Daniel Sturridge a modern-day great'

Jurgen Klopp: 'Departing Daniel Sturridge a modern-day great'
© Reuters
Defender Alberto Moreno will also depart when his contract expires.

England forward Daniel Sturridge will leave Anfield a "modern-day Liverpool great", according to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool confirmed on Tuesday afternoon both Sturridge and defender Alberto Moreno would leave the Champions League winners when their contracts expire this summer.

Sturridge, 29, moved to Merseyside from Chelsea during January 2013 and went on to score 67 times in 160 appearances for the Reds.

Moreno, 26, joined the Reds from Sevilla in August 2014, playing 141 games for the Anfield club.

Klopp described both men as "remarkable players", adding in a statement on the Liverpool website that everyone at the club should say "thank you" for their efforts.

"They were here when I arrived as manager and during that period they – as much as anyone – helped to establish us as a team that would be heading in the right direction. Without them we wouldn't be the team and club we are in this moment," said the German coach, whose side beat Tottenham in Madrid on Saturday when both players were unused substitutes.

Sturridge's last appearance for Liverpool came as a late substitute during the 4-0 Champions League semi-final second-leg win over Barcelona, which saw the Reds complete a remarkable turnaround.

While the next destination of the England international remains to be seen, Klopp is in no doubt of Sturridge's qualities.

Despite limited game time, the striker scored four goals this season – including a brilliant effort in the 89th minute not long after coming on against Chelsea during September 2018 to help maintain Liverpool's then unbeaten Premier League record.

Klopp said: "Daniel has earned the right to be considered a modern-day Liverpool great, I would think.

"He came to the club while we were trying to rebuild and re-establish ourselves. Some of the goals he has scored for Liverpool were so, so, so important.

"He is one of the best finishers I have ever seen in my life. He scores goals you think could and should not be possible."

Daniel Sturridge (right) (PA)
Daniel Sturridge, right, remained a goal threat (Martin Rickett/PA)

Klopp also paid tribute to Sturridge's influence off the pitch. The Liverpool boss said: "What maybe is missed on the outside of the club by many is what a great leader Daniel is in our dressing room.

"He is smart, confident and not afraid to speak up when he thinks there is something that needs adapting to help the team.

"He has been great with many of the younger players also, so he has been so important to our progression here."

While finding regular first-team opportunities restricted, Klopp maintained both had continued to show great professionalism.

Alberto Moreno (left) (PA)
Alberto Moreno (left) was a popular member of the Liverpool squad (Nigel French/PA)

The Reds boss described Moreno as "an unbelievable character" and "world class", adding the Spaniard "kept the entire group on their toes" with his approach to training.

Klopp added: "I wish both players nothing but success and joy wherever their journey takes them next.

"Whoever has them next will be so lucky to have these outstanding personalities in their ranks.

"We will miss them of course, but we can say farewell with the best words possible: Guys, you leave as European champions."

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '4a3ea97e-37b3-4bdc-9145-40617c851b11');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Klopp hails departing Sturridge as \u2018modern-day Liverpool great\u2019'});

ID:361114: cacheID:361114:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10242:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Mohamed Salah celebrates winning the Champions League with Liverpool on June 1, 2019
Read Next:
Manchester United eye Mohamed Salah swoop?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!