While speculation has been rife for a while, it now looks almost certain that Gini Wijnaldum has played his last game for Liverpool.
Sadio Mane was the hero with his two goals. But much of the attention at the final whistle was on rightly on Wijnaldum.
While many expected that he would be leaving at the end of his contract this summer, neither the player nor the club gave any confirmation of a decision.
However, he was taken off in the 78th minute, seemingly in order to receive a standing ovation from the 10,000 fans gathered inside Anfield.
He made sure to give a big wave to all four sides of the ground.
Wijnaldum was then given a guard of honour by his teammates after the full-time whistle as he returned to the pitch to receive a presentation of a plaque from the club.
He then told Sky Sports that he has “to start a new adventure”.
Wijnaldum confirms his departure in post-game interview
In the interview, Wijnaldum said: “I’m fighting against tears right now. The people in Liverpool have shown me love during the five years.
“I will miss them, you know? I hope to have played many more years for the club but unfortunately, things went different.
He continued: “The situation is right now that on 1 July I am not a Liverpool player. We will see what I will do in the next couple of weeks.
“I will have to look at my story and how everything went. The fans deserve to know the story behind it.”
It looks like we will hear more about the background info of Wijnaldum’s departure in the next few weeks.
It is clear that the player himself would have liked to have stayed. Unfortunately, he could not come to an agreement with the club over a new contract.
One thing for sure is that he will be missed. Not just by his coaches and teammates, but the fans as well.
The fact that his chant rang around Anfield for so long after the game is evidence of this.
Wijnaldum will always be remembered as a vital part of bringing Liverpool back to where they belong – the top of the football pyramid.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
