Liverpool have announced that veteran midfielder Thiago Alcantara will exit the club when his deal expires at the end of the season.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man was a €22m (£18.9m) purchase from the latter team in 2020, although concerns were raised about his ability to fit into Jurgen Klopp's high-pressing system.
However, Thiago has proven to be a fundamental player for the Reds when fully fit, contributing three goals and six assists from 98 matches in all tournaments while winning one EFL Cup, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.
Injury problems have bedevilled the Spain international ever since he arrived in England, though, and he spent 10 months out with a hip issue before making his long-awaited comeback against Arsenal in February.
Thiago only enjoyed a five-minute cameo in that 3-1 defeat, though, and it subsequently emerged that he had sustained another severe muscular problem at the Emirates, which has rendered him unavailable since.
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'Artist Thiago paints the most beautiful pictures'
Now 33 years of age and out of contract at the end of the season, Thiago has been expected to head for the exit door when his terms run out, and Liverpool confirmed on Friday morning that he would be bidding farewell this month.
In a heartfelt tribute to the classy midfielder, departing manager Klopp labelled Thiago an "artist of the game" who paints "the most beautiful pictures" on the football pitch.
"Before he even came to Liverpool I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play," Klopp told the official Liverpool website.
"Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us. I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he got here – what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could you not? – and I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us.
"From that point on I got to see him up close and all I can say is 'Wow'. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities. I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.
Thiago back in training ahead of Liverpool farewell
Thiago Alcantara's time with the Reds will come to an end this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 17, 2024
A truly special player. Thank you for everything, Thiago ❤️
"Now he will go in a new direction with his family and we can only wish them well. Wherever he plays next I would be happy to watch. An artist of the game who will only ever paint the most beautiful pictures."
After picking up his latest injury in February, Klopp conceded that he was not sure whether Thiago would play for the club again this season, but he was reportedly spotted in training with the team on Thursday.
As a result, there is slight hope that the 33-year-old will be able to play a part in Sunday's final Premier League fixture with Wolverhampton Wanderers, although he will be given a fond send-off either way.
Thiago is one of two Liverpool players confirmed to be leaving the club this summer, as the Reds also announced earlier on Friday that long-serving defender Joel Matip would depart when his contract expires.
While Thiago is back in training, Matip is still nursing the ACL injury he sustained against Fulham in December, and the Cameroonian defender has therefore played his last game for the six-time European champions.
