JURGEN KLOPP has confirmed that stalwart midfielder Adam Lallana will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
But the 32-year-old has been handed an extension to his expiring deal to keep him at Anfield for the rest of the extended campaign.
Adam Lallana has had his contract extended but will still be leaving Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lallana’s current contract was due to expire at the end of the month.
And that would have seen the former Southampton star miss out on the end of Liverpool’s potential title-winning term.
Lallana moved to Merseyside in 2014 for £25million and has scored 22 goals in 178 appearances.
However, injuries in recent years saw him slip down the pecking order.
And Lallana will now be looking for a new club ahead of the 20/21 season.
However, he will get the chance to lift his first-ever Premier League trophy after agreeing an extension – much to the delight of boss Klopp.
The German tactician told Liverpool’s official website: “I know how highly sought after Adam is in this moment by other clubs who want him for next season.
“So for him this is a commitment to use and we are very appreciative to him for it.
“This is absolutely how it should be too, because I am so pleased he will be with us to finish the job this season and have the farewell he deserves so much.
“Adam always puts the club first – always.
“In the conversations we have had, he has been the first to express that my priority as a manager needs to be the players who are at this club for longer than just the rest of this season.
Jurgen Klopp has praised Lallana for his professionalismCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
“He wants to be here to finish the job and do it properly, but it says everything about him that his biggest concern was blocking the progress and opportunity of a player who is under contract for next season also.
“But his role is too important to lose him before this season is done.
“So it’s fantastic we can delay our messages of gratitude and good luck until the end of July now.”
Lallana is also happy with the outcome, adding: “The gaffer has been different class and we’ve had an honest conversation about what my role will be in the remaining weeks.
“I want to contribute in the most positive way possible that helps him and the team, not just for the remaining matches of this season but also what they’ll need to consider for next.
“I’m totally at peace with what that looks and feels like, and I know the role I’ll be playing for this team will help in what’s going to be an extraordinary period – the likes of which none of us have ever experienced.
“I feel in my time at Liverpool I’ve always looked to do the right thing for the team, the manager and the club in every decision I’ve made.
“I think this one fits into that category as well, so I’m buzzing to be seeing out this campaign and hopefully get to celebrate something memorable with an amazing group of people.”
Robertson, Wijnaldum and Minamino arrive at Melwood Training Facility as blue testing tent can be seen at entrance
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
