Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Ibrahima Konate has broken his silence on leaving Liverpool after the Reds finally confirmed the Frenchman’s imminent exit. The defender, who won four major trophies at Anfield including the Premier League, will leave as a free agent after talks over a new contract collapsed. Liverpool and the player’s representatives failed to reach an agreement over his salary.
The 27-year-old will end a five-year spell on Merseyside at the end of June when his deal expires. He leaves having made 183 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals. The news broke earlier this week and was made official on Sunday evening. Liverpool said in a statement: “Konate will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future.” And the France international wrote a lengthy statement, admitting he is devastated he did not get to say goodbye to supporters.
Konate said: “Dear Liverpool, five years ago, I arrived as a young player with big dreams. Today, I leave with memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Representing this club has been an honour. We’ve shared incredible moments together… highs and lows, trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments that will stay with us forever, none more painful than losing our brother Diogo.
“Losing my father this year was one of the hardest periods of my life, but even through hardship, my commitment to this club never changed. During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge. To my team-mates, coaches, staff and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for helping me grow every single day.
“And to the supporters… thank you for your love, your energy, and your incredible support. Anfield is truly a special place, and playing in front of you was something I never took for granted. I am deeply saddened that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn’t know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. I love you all and will carry Liverpool with me wherever I go. This isn’t an easy goodbye, but it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter. See you again soon, inshallah. YNWA.”
Konate only said a month ago, after Liverpool beat Everton, that he was confident the contract situation would be resolved and he would stay. “My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time, we have spoken with the club, and we are close to an agreement,” he said then.
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Ibrahima Konate didn’t get chance to say goodbye to Anfield (Image: Getty)
“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible, but we are in a good way. For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted.
“I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted, you will have to ask Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“When everything’s going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago, before everyone talked about everything. When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that.
“I think I’m a leader already for this team, for the younger players, and for everyone to be fair. We know this is part of the football life. The legends are going to leave one day and after, it’s going to be our turn to take the lead. I started this already and it’s a big responsibility.”
The news comes just over 24 hours after Liverpool sacked their manager Arne Slot. Former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola is the strong favourite to replace the Dutchman.