Jurgen Klopp sends special message to Liverpool duo Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno



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Jurgen Klopp paid a heartfelt tribute to Liverpool's outgoing duo, Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno, telling them: "You are leaving as champions of Europe."

The Reds have confirmed that both players will leave as free agents at the end of their contract this summer.

Striker Sturridge scored 67 goals in 160 games in six-and-a-half years with the Reds, while left-back Moreno scored three goals in 141 selections over five years.

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Final of the 2019 Champions League

Klopp told liverpoolfc.com: "The most important word to say to these two outstanding players is" thank you ".

"They were there when I came in as a manager and during that time, they helped establish us as a team that would go in the right direction. Without them, we would not be the team and the club we are right now.

"I wish both players success and joy wherever their trip takes them. Anyone who will have them later will have the chance to have these outstanding personalities in their ranks.

"We will miss them of course, but we can say goodbye with the best possible words: guys, you are leaving as European champions."


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Sturridge was a huge success in Anfield after his transfer from Chelsea in January 2013 for £ 12 million.

The 29-year-old leader of the group had a stellar start in his Liverpool career, scoring 24 goals alongside Luis Suarez in the title challenge in 2013/14.

However, his progress was hampered by injuries and during Klopp 's reign, he slipped in a hierarchical order.

Sturridge was loaned to West Brom during the second half of last season before working tirelessly last summer to force his way back to the director's plans.



Alberto Moreno joins Daniel Sturridge after scoring for Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round victory at Crystal Palace in February 2015
Alberto Moreno joins Daniel Sturridge after scoring for Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round victory at Crystal Palace in February 2015

He started eight games and made 19 more substitutions during the season. His last goal for the Reds was his superb late equalizer at Stamford Bridge in September.

"I think Daniel has earned the right to be considered a great modern day Liverpool," Klopp said.

"He came to the club while we were trying to rebuild and recover. Some of the goals he scored for Liverpool were so, so, so important.

"He is one of the best finishers I have ever seen in my life. It scores goals that you think can and should not be possible.

"Once again, like many players on my team, Daniel had to be patient and contribute to the games, but even this season he played a vital role.

"What may be missing outside the club is the great Daniel leader in our locker room. He is intelligent, confident and is not afraid to express himself when he thinks that there is something that needs to be adapted to help the team.

"He has been great with many young players, so he has played such an important role in our progression here."

Moreno cost Liverpool £ 12 million since Seville in the summer of 2014.

The Spanish back was the Reds' first-choice back for two seasons, but lost that status after a series of nightmares in the 2016 Europa League final.

James Milner took his left-back fortunes place for the 2016/17 season before the Reds buy Andy Robertson in the summer of 2017.

While Robertson adapted to his new environment, Moreno enjoyed a mini revival but after being sidelined by an injury, Robertson replaced him and never turned around. Moreno has only started four games during this season and his last appearance in the January FA Cup defeat against the Wolves.



Daniel Sturridge kisses the Champions League trophy on the return flight from Madrid
Daniel Sturridge kisses the Champions League trophy on the return flight from Madrid

Klopp said: "Alberto is a person whose personality is reflected in the way he plays. Full of life, full of energy, always positive.

"An incredible character who is always ready to give everything to the team.

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"I know this season and the end of the last, maybe the minutes on the field that he would have wished and deserved were not there, but his contribution has not diminished.

"The way he was training kept the whole group on his guard. Albie is world class and I know that he will be back in the national team of Spain in the not too distant future. "

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