Liverpool defender Joel Matip will leave the club at the end of the season along with midfielder Thiago Alcantara when their contracts expire.
Ex-Cameroon international Matip joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2016 and played 201 times in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists.
He has however been hindered from more game time owing to persistent injuries.
The 32-year-old has not featured for the Reds since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Fulham in December.
“It has been eight wonderful years here in Liverpool,” Matip told the club website.
“I was allowed to be part of an exciting history with a great coach and an astonishing team in an extraordinary club. We have achieved great titles and have the best fans in the world.
“I am full of gratitude for the wonderful time I was able to experience with these unique people supporting the club and the fans who love Liverpool FC.
“We will always keep it in special memories.”
Matip has won five titles during his eight years at Anfield, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
A brilliant player, a big character and forever a part of our history 🫶 pic.twitter.com/7SkCRwqatY
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 17, 2024
Reflecting on Matip’s departure, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is also leaving at the end of the season said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.
“I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.”
“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.”
Liverpool will end the 2023-24 Premier League season with a home tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
