Carragher storms to Liverpool defence after stating why Wijnaldum really left

Jurgen Klopp and departing Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, Liverpool, May 2021

Jamie Carragher has publicly defended Liverpool after recent criticism and pointed to the real issue behind the exit of Georginio Wijnaldum.

Wijnaldum’s six-year stint at Anfield came to close this summer when leaving for PSG as a free agent. The decision to allow such a trusted and reliable performer to leave divided opinion at the time. However, given the ongoing uncertainty over Jordan Henderson’s future, FSG’s ruthless decisions over aging stars should no longer come as a surprise.

Wijnaldum promised to lift the lid on the reasons behind his Liverpool exit once Euro 2020 concluded.

True to his word, the Dutchman recently took aim at the club in an interview with the Guardian.

“There was a moment when I didn’t feel loved and appreciated,” said the 30-year-old..

“Not my teammates, not the people at Melwood. From them, I know… I can say they all love me and I love them. It was not from that side, more the other side.”

Expanding further upon his true meaning, Wijnaldum pointed the finger at frequent criticism he received on social media.

 “On social media, if we lost, I was the one who got the blame,” he added. “There was a moment when I was like: ‘Wow. If they only knew what I was doing to stay fit and play every game.’

Georginio Wijnaldum, emotional Liverpool farewell

“Other players might have said: ‘OK, I am not fit.’ You get players in their last year who are like: ‘I’m not playing because it is a risk.’ I did the opposite.

“I didn’t always play good but, after the game, I could look in the mirror and say: ‘I gave it all. I trained hard to get better.’ Even with the physios, I took the most possible treatment I could get.

“I cannot remember when I had a day off because I played so many games and basically it was too much for the body but I did everything to stay fit.”

Carragher fires back – “this is not right”

Jamie Carragher

Wijnaldum’s comments have not sat with with club legend Carragher. Taking to Twitter to give his response, Carragher laid the blame over Wijnaldum’s exit at his demands for higher wages.

“I love Gini but this is not right, social media is a circus & every club has clowns,” tweeted Carragher.

“Turn off your notifications and if it’s bothering you that much delete the app!

“He wanted more money the club said no, that’s football!”

READ MORE: Long-awaited Liverpool transfer crosses the line after Klopp finally relents