He was to be the new Gerrard, but now Henderson announces his departure

With a view to a summer squad reshuffle, Liverpool have confirmed the departures of four veteran players at the end of the current season. Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave when their contracts expire this summer, the Premier League club announced.

"Each member of the quartet will embark on new chapters of their careers at the end of the 2022-23 season, having helped the Reds win many of football's greatest laurels during their time at Anfield," Liverpool said. Jürgen Klopp's side are about to complete a disappointing campaign after coming so close to a hat-trick of titles last year.

With two games left in the season, Liverpool are dependent on slip-ups by Manchester United or Newcastle to qualify for next season's Champions League. They are one point behind the top four in the table, but with a game in hand on the two teams ahead of them. Klopp is expected to plan to strengthen the midfield and the departures of Keita, Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain will make it easier for him.

Henderson's farewell

On social media, captain Jordan Henderson confirmed the departure of Jordan Henderson: “Naby Keita is a cult figure with our fans and I can tell you the affection for him in the dressing room is just as big. His smile lights up the AXA Training Centre. As a player he is one of the most technically gifted I have ever trained with. His quality is a joke. As a person he is extremely humble and gentle.”