Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that midfielder Adam Lallana will leave Anfield as a legend after he confirmed that the 32-year-old has likely played his last game for the club.
Lallana agreed to extend his contract until the end of the season but there is an agreement with the player that he will only be used in an emergency to protect him from injury ahead of his next move.
Klopp paid tribute to Lallana, saying the former England international deserves his legendary status:
“He is one of the most important players of the time since I’m here. I wish him only the best for the future and, from my point of view, he is already a legend here. He can now start being a legend somewhere else from next season on.”
Fans on Twitter have taken issue with the claim, although they don’t dispute the fact that he has made important contributions during his six years on Merseyside:
He did well but no hero.
— Aguh NWA LFC (@AGUHPATRICK10) July 8, 2020
No, the guy injured most of the season
— mathew thomas (@mathewthered) July 8, 2020
I love all our players but he’s not a legend when you compare him to some of the players Liverpool have had over the years, and their achievements.
— David Boyes (@guruhd1) July 8, 2020
What Jurgen means it that he’s a legend for the squad and the team, he’s been amazing around the training ground from day one and has had a massive impact on the younger players
— Deedna (@deedna00) July 8, 2020
No, he is not a legend by any stretch of the imagination.
— Craig (@CraigYB1989) July 8, 2020
Of course Klopp loves him, like he does almost all his players
And of course, he is not a legend, not even close to being a legend. Maybe a good guy, who helps the kids at Melwood and down to earth, that’s about it.— Abhinav Roy (@abhinavroy001) July 8, 2020
No way !!injury prone under achiever
— Brian Connolly?????? (@brianlfc1) July 8, 2020
Nope. He’s been injured for too long to have any sustained period of performance that could be considered memorable.
— Craig (@CHendricks20) July 8, 2020
Not a legend I’m afraid. Can hardly say he’s up there with Gerrard etc
— Jaaaaames. (@46james46) July 8, 2020
He could have been if he didn’t had a lot of injuries
— Banu Mustafa (@Banumustafa24) July 8, 2020
Lallana was clearly an important player during Klopp’s first eighteen months at the club, but his influence has dwindled over the past few seasons due to his injury problems. He will be remembered fondly by supporters but it must be pointed out that his contributions have been limited as the Reds have begun to pick up trophies over the last two years.
