Today is an emotional day at Anfield as four beloved Reds bid farewell. Jordan Henderson has written a touching tribute to each of them in his programme notes, recognizing their contribution to the club and their status as Liverpool icons.
Henderson started with Roberto Firmino, praising him for his unique skills and selflessness. He noted that Firmino’s status as an all-time Liverpool great is secured, and that his name will be sung at Anfield for decades to come.
Next, Henderson spoke of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, noting that he had been handed a few cruel setbacks but was now in the shape of his life. He said that Oxlade-Chamberlain was the best attacking midfielder in Europe going into the Champions League semi-finals in 2017/18 and that whoever gets him next has won the lottery.
The captain then moved on to James Milner, noting his influence on and off the pitch and Jurgen Klopp’s desire to keep him at the club. He said that Millie was the beating heart of the team and that age was just a number for him.
Finally, Henderson lauded the quality of Naby Keita, lamenting the injuries that robbed him of the opportunity to make a greater contribution. He said that Keita was a cult figure with the fans and that his quality was a joke.
Henderson’s tribute to these four departing Reds is truly classy and the emotions are already running high.