Ahead of their final home game of the Premier League campaign against Aston Villa, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has paid a heartfelt tribute to Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita, who are set to bid farewell to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
While Liverpool's focus remains on securing a place in next season's Champions League, with hopes that other teams falter, the significance of this match will be remembered for years to come as fans prepare to say goodbye to two iconic figures of the Jurgen Klopp era.
"Given this is my final column of the season, I have to use these pages to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of players who will rightly be regarded as Liverpool icons for generations to come," wrote the Liverpool captain.
The Reds, Firmino and Milner, who joined the club in 2015 during Brendan Rodgers' tenure, have spent eight memorable years at Liverpool. Earlier reports confirmed that Firmino has chosen to seek new opportunities elsewhere, while Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Keita will also be departing the club when their current contracts expire next month.
When speaking of Keita, Henderson acknowledged that the player's injuries served as big setbacks and robbed him off more time on the pitch, yet when the 28-year-old played, he had "big moments in big games".
The Reds' captain reflected on his long-standing connection with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He recalled their time together in the England camp when Oxlade-Chamberlain signed for Liverpool, reminiscing about a photo capturing a heartfelt embrace shared immediately after the midfielder committed to the club.
On Firmino, Henderson noted, that playing alongside the Brazllian striker has been a a privilage for everyone in the club. "There's never been anyone quite like him and I doubt there ever will be again. To be that talented, have that much skill and then to work as hard and smart as he does, is remarkable."
"And so to James Millner", continued the 32-year-old, "I write this knowing that giving Millie praise is one of the most difficult things imaginable. Why? Because he hates it. He hates being the focus." To him, Milner is relentless and sets standards while pushing for the collective rather than focusing on the individual in the group. Although the club manager wanted the 37-year-old to stay, because his physical condition remained incredible, the player made his choice.