Andrew Lapping

Andy Robertson has spoken for the first time after announcing that he will leave Liverpool: “I think I feel better now that it’s out in the open. The hardest bit [in] the last certainly couple of weeks and months is some people that are close to me in the training ground don’t know and more importantly, the fans. The closer it gets, the more and more questions you start to get. “I’ve always said that the fans are the most important people at this club and I just think now is the time to tell them what’s going on and that obviously this will be my last year. “I just think it’s better being out in the open, that now I can fully focus on the team from now until the end of the season. I think it’s important that I do that, I’ve always done that. “But the time to have the emotional farewell and tell the fans and the people connected to this club what they mean to me, that will come closer to the end. I don’t think I’m quite ready for that yet. It’s just to try to get it out there so I can now be open and honest with everyone. “It’s never easy leaving a club like Liverpool, it has been a huge part of mine and my family’s life for the last nine years. But for me, players move on, other people move on – the thing that stays the same is the club and obviously the fans. I’ve had an amazing nine years here. “Look, I think it has been well-documented, especially over the last year or so, I’ve had opportunities to leave and I’ve not taken them because of how difficult it is to leave this club. “And I wouldn’t change that for the world. But I know football moves on, I know teams move on and I think now is the time for me to move on and go wherever my next move is and wherever my career takes me. “I’ll always look back on amazing memories at this football club, I’ve put my heart and soul into the club for nine years and I’ve not got many regrets. “I’ve grown as a man and as a person. This club will always mean the world to me, the fans will mean the world to me. It has been a hell of a journey.” (LFC)