news now:Liverpool squad have finally deliver their emotional farewell to Fabinho at last

Fabinho’s £60million transfer to Al-Ittihad was yesterday confirmed as his time at Liverpool was officially ended

Members of Liverpool’s squad have paid tribute to Fabinho after his Al-Ittihad switch was announced on Monday evening.

The Brazilian midfielder became the latest player to swap the Premier League for Saudi Arabia and will face off against Jordan Henderson next season following his reunion with Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.

Fabinho was a key component of the Reds’ success during his five-year spell on Merseyside, showcasing his ability to break up play and prevent opposition attacks on multiple occasions. His departure leaves Liverpool with a big hole to fill, something Jurgen Klopp is all too aware of.

Klopp today delivered his own message for the 29-year-old, during which he praised his selflessness after taking on the role of ‘the hoover for the team’. Echoing these words, Fabinho’s former team-mates have also taken the time to explain why they will miss the ex-Monaco man being around.

His Brazilian compatriot Alisson, said: “I’m not too happy to come here, to say words of farewell for you, but I know that all good things come to an end. You are like my family: you and Rebeca are like my brother and sister and I love you, man

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.”

Kostas Tsimikas added: “I told you also I never saw a No.6 like you. It was like you had a magnet in your legs”. While Mohamed Salah stated: “My friend, we had a great time here, we had a good journey. Doing the dirty job makes us feel free. My favourite memory with you was the Barcelona game. You are a great person and a great player, for sure. I wish you all the best and I will see you soon.”

Those closest to Fabinho on the pitch also had plenty to say of the departed midfielder, with Virgil van Dijk beginning: “Flaco, I’m going to miss you. What a player you have been for us. What an important figure you have been for me. I can speak for all the centre. It’s difficult to pick one moment but, on the bus, during the parade after we won the Champions League and being together and sharing those memories is something I will never forget. I’m glad we shared these memories together and I wish you all the best in the future.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold continued: “Such a special player to us, to the team, to the fans, to the club. Someone who scarified a lot for the team, did the dirty work but also kept us ticking. My favourite memory would be the goal against City. I felt almost as if I’d scored it, that’s how happy and excited I was. I knew in the tunnel before games that we were going into battle, and I was happy you were on my side.”

Explaining why Fabinho made such a difference, Andy Robertson added: “Flaco, what a journey it’s been, it’s been an absolute pleasure playing alongside you. Always protecting, always winning the ball back, always starting off our attacks. That was the key moment for me when everyone started believing we were going to go on and win that league. To win everything that we won together, since the minute you came in, you’ve been nothing but amazing for this football club.”

Adopting a similar tone, Joel Matip said: “Your importance in the system and our team was unspeakable. You gave us structure, the hub, it was all based on players like you. There will be a part missing, the one who is always protecting us on the field. Especially as a centre-back but also as a person, who made me laugh quite often and was just a pleasure to be a team-mate of.”

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