- Andy Robertson turned to James Milner and Jordan Henderson to prepare for his Anfield exit.
- Robertson will play in his 378th and final game on Sunday against Brentford.
- The left-back received no contract offer from Liverpool before he announced his departure.
Andy Robertson spoke to a variety of media outlets this week as he prepares for his 378th and final game for Liverpool on Sunday against Brentford.
The Liverpool Echo have revealed that Robertson used the advice of former teammates Jordan Henderson and James Milner to navigate his exit.
Robertson revealed that his main priority was to be a starter for the club, and this played a big part in the discussions that will see him move on after nine years at the club.
Robertson’s hunt for gametime
He commented,” The fact of the matter is that the decision is the decision, it was a mutual one between me and the club. I wanted one thing, and I made it pretty clear that I am not ready to be a part of sitting on the bench in my life right now. I have always wanted to play games, and things like that have not happened as much.
Robertson revealed that he did have discussions with Richard Hughes and Mike Gordon about a contract extension, but no formal offer ever came.
“Obviously, that couldn’t quite match up here, and then on the back of that, there was obviously no contract offer, and it was all discussed. You know me and Richard have had discussions, me and (FSG president) Mike Gordon have even had talks and things like that.
Robertson revealed the decision-making process to leave
Robertson revealed that the decision to announce that he would leave the club in April came after lots of discussion with his wife and his former captain and vice-captain.
He said: “[I spoke to] my wife, first and foremost, you know obviously I am the one who goes through it all publicly, but she’s the one who goes through it all privately, in terms of allowing me to go and achieve my dreams. So she was probably the first person.”
“So I always speak to my mum and dad, but it was more talking through what I was thinking instead of getting their opinion on it. And then people who I have become close to along the way, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, people like that have helped me this year as well.”
Milner and Henderson were logical mentors to turn to for Liverpool’s vice-captain. Not only were they the captain and vice-captain in their time in the club, but they also have history in similar contract situations to Robertson.
Milner joined Liverpool after his Manchester City contract expired, and then left the club in similar circumstances to join Brighton.
Henderson had his own contract difficulties dealing with FSG only a year after he captained the club to their first league title in 30 years. He signed a new contract in the summer of 2021, but left the club for Saudi Arabia just two year later.
Despite the difficult contract situation Robertson added, “I am happy that I’ve had nine years and I leave with no regrets, no bitterness, nothing like that.”
