Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has chosen to leave the club after rejecting a contract offer from new manager Arne Slot.
The Spaniard's contract expired on June 30, but Liverpool offered him fresh terms as part of their 2023/24 retained list.
Fans were surprised at the news, given the 37-year-old hadn't played a competitive fixture since the 2022 Community Shield.
But reports claimed that Slot was considering promoting Adrian to become his number two goalkeeper in the event of Caoimhin Kelleher leaving the club.
Advert
However, it is now Adrian who has decided that his future lies away from Anfield, with the club confirming his departure.
In a club statement, Liverpool wrote: "Adrian departs Liverpool this summer having made a valuable contribution to the club's successes across his five years at Anfield.
"A popular figure among team-mates and staff alike, Adrian leaves the Reds with the best wishes of everybody at the club."
His destination has not been announced, but he is widely expected to join La Liga side Real Betis following the exit of former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
In his own personal message to Liverpool supporters, posted to his Instagram account, Adrian said: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have given me during this beautiful and successful journey together.
"In five years, you have shown me so many things.
"That wearing the Liverpool shirt, and defending the Liverpool badge at Anfield, should be added to the seven wonders of the world.
"That 11 yards is nothing when it comes to winning a title. That London is really Anfield South. That tradition is important, and should be protected.
"That You'll Never Walk Alone is not just an anthem, it's a philosophy of life.
"Now, it's time for me to share all of these experiences I have learned. I will be grateful to you for life."
Topics: Liverpool, Arne Slot, Football, Premier League, Transfers
Ryan Smart