Ex-Liverpool star warns of shock Wijnaldum will get after Anfield exit
Former Liverpool attacker Ryan Babel has warned that Georginio Wijnaldum will not feel better off if he leaves Anfield at the end of his contract.
Wijnaldum’s Anfield terms run out next summer and he has yet to extend his association with the Reds.
Recent reports have claimed that his preference is to stay with the Premier League champions. However, the 30-year-old supposedly feels that his club’s current offer does not match his influence in the team.
Wijnaldum’s fellow Dutchman Babel, however, spoke to the Sunday Mirror about the “biggest regret” he felt when leaving Liverpool.
The now-Galatasaray forward left Anfield for Hoffenheim in 2011.
“I spent almost four years at Liverpool under Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish,” Babel said.
“When I left to go and play in Germany, where TSG Hoffenheim had become a big force, it was to become the biggest regret of my career.
“The only reason I left was because I wanted to have more playing minutes to keep my place in the Holland team.
“But you don’t realise how dominating the playing style is at Liverpool until you play in a different team and league.
“I was brought up with really attacking football at Ajax. In the academy, you learn to play that way. When I moved to Liverpool, it was exactly the same. It is in the DNA of the club to play attacking football.”
Wijnaldum made the most Premier League appearances of any Liverpool midfielder last season.
This term, meanwhile, the midfielder has already made 23 outings, the joint-most alongside Roberto Firmino and Andy Robertson.
Babel recalls Liverpool highlights
Babel, however, went on to recall his greatest highlights during his almost four-year association with Liverpool.
“I loved every minute I was at Liverpool. Fortunately, Dirk Kuyt was at Liverpool and he was a massive support to me,” the forward said.
“As a Liverpool player you are always in the spotlight. The club is massive.
“Scoring the winning goal against Manchester United at Anfield was the highlight of my time.”
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