Jurgen Klopp says that the Anfield crowd will be bidding farewell to four legends of the club this afternoon when Liverpool take on Aston Villa.
In the last few seasons we have seen the departure of some players such as Adam Lallana, Gini Wijnaldum, Sadio Mane and Divock Origi who have played a substantial role in building the base for success and then being a major part of it.
And today, a quartet of players in Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will depart having won a combined 25 honours in their time at the club.
Each of those players have had their respective journey in their time at the club and speaking ahead of the last home fixture of the season (per the Echo), the manager was keen to pay all of them a glowing tribute.
“It's super emotional because we really say goodbye to, from my point of view, four Liverpool legends.
"Because, two of them were here when I arrived. Milly and Bobby,obviously. Nothing would have happened, off all the good things that happened in the last few years, without them. That's clear.
While Firmino and Milner have been iconic in the qualities that they have brought to the club and beloved by the fanbase, it is fair to say that there have been challenging times along the way for both Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain.
But Klopp has never been one to overlook contributions of any player in his squad and has been a big supporter of the duo.
“Ox came in pretty early then Naby came in. Ox was unlucky in moments. Injuries, bad injuries at absolutely the wrong moment. I remember the game against Roma when he got badly injured.
"I had no clue how to sort that situation, he was that good and pretty much irreplaceable in that moment. That was obviously all really hard. Besides that, a fantastic guy and was super important for the team over the whole period.
“When people think about Naby, they probably think a few too many injuries in the time as well. But, when you look back at important games, you will realise how often he played in super important games for us and how often he performed in these games.”
The saying ‘Nothing is forever” rings true in Football just like in life and this season Klopp has never hid away from the fact that this highly successful cycle has come to a end and a regeneration is necessary.
But the beauty about success is that even though time passes and individuals move on, the memories are everlasting.
“All four won pretty much each available trophy and we love them. That's true as well. But it's professional football. Nothing is forever, that's how it is. There is always a moment. It's a good moment because it means one chapter is closed, but we can start writing a new one. That's good as well, for them and for us.
“We will never forget them, 100%. I will be forever thankful to them because without them, nothing will have happened. They were all super important in all that they did and it is the farewell they deserve.
.”We can celebrate the boys after the game. Everybody should stay. It will be great, it will be absolutely emotional, 100%."
With all the talk about departing stars, one player that Klopp is adamant isn’t going anywhere is Caoimhin Kelleher.
There has been recent speculation that the Irish keeper is looking for more first team opportunities with Brighton, Brentford and Tottenham all linked.
However Klopp says that in his mind, it will take a remarkable deal for him to even entertain the possibility.
“Caoimhin Kelleher? He has a contract! You want us to say goodbye just incase?” I honestly can’t see Caoimh leaving. It must be an extraordinary offer for me to start thinking [of selling him], I have to say.”
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