Robertson Leaves Liverpool…

LIVERPOOL — Andy Robertson vividly recalls the autumn of 2017 when, just three months into his tenure at Liverpool, he felt his career was at a pivotal juncture.

After arriving for £8 million from relegated Hull City that summer, he had started just two of Liverpool’s first Premier League matches and had been left out of Jürgen Klopp’s matchday squad seven times. Feeling uncertain about how to secure the left back position over Alberto Moreno, Robertson decided to take matters into his own hands by visiting the manager’s office.

“I was terrified!” Robertson recalls, smiling. “But at some point, I realized I had to speak up. I’ve never been overly confident, always feeling uncertain, but I have always wanted to play. I went in and asked him: ‘What do I need to do to get into your team?’ It wasn’t confrontational; that’s what made the conversation productive.”

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“He thought it was obvious what I should do,” Robertson says. “I went in the next day determined to implement everything he mentioned. If I failed, at least I would know I tried. After that talk, everything just fell into place. I embraced the mindset: ‘I’m at Liverpool Football Club, and I’ll do everything it takes to make this work.’ From that point, there was no looking back.”

That’s an understatement. Under Klopp’s guidance, Robertson evolved into one of the world’s finest defenders—a genuine superstar whose relentless tenacity on the pitch and welcoming personality off it made him a favorite among fans. He amassed 14 goals, 69 assists, and nearly 400 appearances, along with nine trophies (including 2 Premier League titles, a League Cup, an FA Cup, a Community Shield, a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup) during his nine-year tenure.

While some teammates from that glorious era have garnered more extensive acclaim, Robertson has earned perhaps the ultimate title: “The People’s Champion.”

As the Scotland captain approaches his final match for the club against Brentford this weekend before his free transfer, it’s evident that this title holds as much weight for him as any trophy.

“The bond I’ve built with the people here means the world to me,” Robertson shared with ESPN and other media at the AXA Training Centre. “Both Liverpool and Glasgow share similar values and traits. That’s why I fell in love with this city. I feel fortunate that so many here have embraced me in return. Although maybe not everyone—I’m sure the blue side isn’t too fond!”

Universally adored at the club, Robertson fosters close relationships with staff, even joining many of them for a pub crawl around Liverpool earlier this year. His eagerness to connect with the local culture fits perfectly with the recent mural of him, created by street art collective “MurWalls,” unveiled near Anfield.

The mural features Robertson with the inscription: “Born in Glasgow. Made in Liverpool.”

“These past nine years have been phenomenal, but they wouldn’t have been the same without the people,” he reflects. “Fans recognize a player on the pitch who, given the chance to wear a Liverpool shirt, would give their all, just as I strive to do. I’ve always felt pressure to perform, and I’m thankful for how warmly I have been accepted here.”

Robertson’s journey wasn’t easy. Released by his childhood club, Celtic, at 15 for being deemed too small, he worked as a cashier and took a job in a ticket office while playing for Scottish fourth-tier team Queen’s Park.

In 2012, Robertson famously tweeted about his struggles as a burgeoning athlete: “Life at this age is rubbish with no money #needajob,” capturing how far he has come since then.

A move to top-tier club Dundee United followed, leading to three years at Hull City before Liverpool signed him.

Despite an initially rocky start in Merseyside—Robertson humorously recalls Klopp metaphorically placing him in a “cupboard” for four months—he eventually won over Liverpool supporters, notably in January 2018 when he took on the likes of Bernardo Silva and John Stones during a thrilling 4-3 victory against Manchester City.

Much like his viral tweet, the video of Robertson fiercely defending against top players has become a legendary moment among Liverpool fans, with current head coach Arne Slot admitting he has used the clip as a motivational example for his players in previous roles.

“That game against the best team in the world at the time was pivotal,” Robertson reflects. “Fans left that match thinking: ‘We might have found a proper left back here.’ It was the moment I felt truly accepted in a Liverpool jersey. That confidence propelled me through the rest of the season and into the next, where I elevated my game significantly.”

From then on, there was no denying Robertson’s crucial role in Klopp’s success, transforming the full-back position alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold. Under Klopp, Liverpool claimed seven major trophies over six years, including a remarkable period where they achieved 103 points from 105 in the league.

“We had an incredible environment to freely express ourselves and play without fear, yet with a commitment to give our all,” Robertson states. “The manager emphasized that anything less than 100% could lead to defeat. In training, we were relentless. If fans had witnessed our sessions, they would have thought, ‘Stop!’—we were extremely competitive leading up to important games.”

“We always pushed ourselves to 100% and never faltered from that intensity, thanks to the drive from the manager, coaches, and the entire staff who supported our aspirations to achieve great things together. That environment led us to accomplish magical moments,” Robertson adds.

Last season, Liverpool crafted more memories by securing the Premier League title under Klopp’s successor, Slot. When they clinched that title against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield last April—a moment Robertson ranks alongside the 2019 Champions League victory—it was believed a dynasty was beginning under the Dutch coach.

A year later, the club finds itself struggling in fifth place after a disappointing season, although they seem likely to avoid missing out on Champions League football.

Robertson’s role in the squad has shifted as well. He is no longer a guaranteed starter; Hungary international Milos Kerkez has emerged as the first-choice left back after joining from AFC Bournemouth for £40 million last summer.

Discussions about Robertson’s role facilitated conversations about his future, leading both sides to agree not to pursue a new contract. Tottenham expressed interest in January and may rekindle that pursuit should they avoid relegation to the Championship this weekend. Nevertheless, Robertson holds no bitterness regarding his departure, yet he acknowledges he still has much to contribute at the highest level.

“I made it clear that I am not ready to sit on the bench,” he states. “Playing games has always been my goal, and the current situation just isn’t fulfilling that for me.”

This season, while Liverpool—including Slot and his players—have largely underperformed, it’s essential to acknowledge the profound tragedy the club faced last summer. Robertson was deeply affected by the loss of teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident just 11 days after Robertson attended his wedding in Portugal.

“This year has been tough due to several factors,” Robertson admits. “We experienced something this summer that no other team should ever have to go through. The heartbreak we all faced was profound. For weeks, football felt insignificant; we didn’t even want to train. That was our reality.”

“We were getting treatment from physios, and they themselves were struggling to work with us. Those feelings are valid. As players, we have a duty to move forward, but the emotional weight was immense. The Bournemouth match was particularly emotional, especially with Jota’s family present. You could sense a drop in performance after the 20th minute, directly influenced by our emotions.”

Robertson’s remarks are refreshingly honest, not seeking sympathy but rather illustrating the human side of professional athletes, even elite ones like him.

Last November, after helping Scotland qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, he openly admitted: “I’ve managed to mask my emotions, but on that day, I was overcome with feelings of loss.”

As he prepares to lead his national team in the upcoming tournament in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, Robertson faces his Liverpool farewell first, with supporters gearing up to show their appreciation for him and teammate Mohamed Salah during Sunday’s match against Brentford.

“This means a lot to me,” Robertson expresses. “It’s more about my family experiencing this. It’s essential for my children to witness it. I’m pleased that it won’t solely be about me; our Egyptian friend might take some of the spotlight, and I’m more than fine with that. I can step back and let him shine.”

Though Robertson may prefer a more subdued farewell, it’s hard to imagine that the Anfield faithful will allow him that wish. His early career challenges may have raised doubts due to his stature, but as he prepares for his final match, one thing is certain: he leaves as a true icon of Liverpool Football Club.