Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has revealed the circumstances surrounding his exit from Liverpool, admitting that the decision was difficult for him.
The Brazilian, in an interview with The Guardian, recounted how he thought he was too important for the club to sell, but Liverpool’s directors felt the offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad represented a good deal for both the club and the player.
According to the 31-year-old, he intended to remain at Anfield and build his legacy, but the previous season had been difficult as he lost his place in the starting XI. He said he returned for the following season with a different mentality and was ready to fight for his place, but Al-Ittihad made an offer that Liverpool were willing to accept.
“I didn’t want to leave the club and go to any other club in Europe. I thought it was the best place in the world to play, to keep developing as a player. I wanted my legacy and my history at the club to grow even more, but our last season was very gruelling and tiring.
“We didn’t do well and failed to qualify for the Champions League. I lost my position as a starter for a few games, but that happens.
“I came back for the following season, even though the previous one hadn’t been good, with a very good mentality and wanting to fight for the Premier League title again. But before the season started, Al-Ittihad made an offer for me and the Liverpool directors said it was very good for the club and for me.”
Fabinho said he initially thought Liverpool would reject the Saudi club’s offer, and it was at that moment that he realised the club was open to selling him.
“I was afraid and decided to wait to see what [the coaching staff] would say. I thought I was an important player and that they would refuse any offer, but I realised that the club was open to selling me.”
He added that Jurgen Klopp’s response also influenced his decision to leave.
“He called me and asked me what I wanted. I said that I’d heard the offer and liked it, but that I wanted to hear from him what he thought. He said that if there are any players who want to leave, he won’t hold them back. It was a speech that kind of opened the door for me to leave.
“That conversation with the coach could have kept me at the club, but he left it open, and I didn’t like it very much.”
Fabinho played an integral role during Jurgen Klopp’s era at Liverpool, helping the club win its first Premier League title in 30 years and the UEFA Champions League in the 2018/19 season. He won seven trophies with the Reds before departing Anfield.
He made 219 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists, after joining the club from Monaco in 2018.
