‘I’ll miss him like crazy’ – Klopp comes clean on huge void Wijnaldum leaves at Liverpool

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

Georginio Wijnaldum has been described as a “Liverpool legend” by Jurgen Klopp after the midfielder completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Wijnaldum left Liverpool at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract. He would have been willing to stay, but they couldn’t find an agreement. Thus, his five-year spell with the club came to an end. Now, he has confirmed he will be joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Liverpool already knew that Wijnaldum had played his last game for them and Klopp, deprived of a key cog in his system, had paid tribute accordingly. But now, the manager has gone further with more praise of the departing midfielder.

“As a team we said our goodbyes to Gini at Anfield after the final game of the season,” he told the club website. “There was the public farewell on the pitch with the guard of honour. But then a more private occasion also.

“It was difficult for all of us because of how much this astonishing person means to the group. He’s been a big part of our lives for so long. There is nothing I won’t miss about him.

“I will miss the player he is like crazy – highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.

“But as a person he’ll leave just as big a hole. A more giving individual you could not wish to meet.

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“Gini is very strong and opinionated, but his motivation is only to help the team – always. His teammates adored him and respected him in equal measure.

“His smile lit up our workplace. He was a huge part of our beating heart.

“Of course, he is now someone else’s and on behalf of the team we wish him great success in France with PSG.


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“It is no surprise he’s joined such an amazing club. Knowing his personality, he will fall in love with the city and the team – and they with him.

“Farewell, Gini: you came, you saw, you won the lot. You’re a Liverpool legend now and forever.”

Wijnaldum excited for new challenge

After six years in the Premier League (including one at Newcastle before he joined Liverpool), the 30-year-old will now get to play in Ligue 1 for the first time in his career.

He has promised to explain his Liverpool exit in more detail further down the line, but in the meantime, explained his choice of next club.

“Signing for Paris Saint-Germain is a new challenge for me,” Wijnaldum told PSG’s website after signing his contract.

“I’m joining one of the best squads in Europe and I want to bring all my desire and commitment to this ambitious project.

“Paris Saint-Germain have proved how good they are in recent years and I am convinced that together, with our supporters, we can go even further and higher.”