Liverpool confirm Andy Robertson will depart Anfield after nine trophy-laden years with the club

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson will depart Anfield following the expiration of his contract this summer, the club announced on Thursday evening.

The Scotland international, who is set to star for his country at this summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, has established himself as a mainstay in the Reds backline since joining from Hull City in 2017.

However, he has found regular game time more difficult to come by under Arne Slot this term, completing all 90 minutes in a Premier League fixture on just three occasions, the most recent being against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

The 32-year-old was close to departing Merseyside in January with Tottenham Hotspur hoping to tie up a deal to secure the full-back on a permanent deal, only for Liverpool to pull the plug on the switch after failing to source an adequate replacement.

Announcing news of the defender's future earlier this evening, a Liverpool statement read: "Liverpool FC can confirm Andy Robertson will bring his Reds career to an end at the conclusion of the current season.

After nine hugely successful campaigns at Anfield, the Scotland captain will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

- Liverpool FC Statement

"He will do so as a genuine Liverpool legend, having played a fundamental role in the successes of recent years over the course of his 373 appearances to date."

Robertson has helped the Reds to nine major trophies during his Merseyside stay, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League back in 2019.

The former Hull man admits it was a difficult decision to take, but feels the time is right to seek a fresh chapter in his career.

"It has been a huge part of mine and my family’s life for the last nine years," Robertson said.

“But for me, players move on, other people move on – the thing that stays the same is the club and obviously the fans. I’ve had an amazing nine years here.

"Look, I think it has been well-documented, especially over the last year or so, I’ve had opportunities to leave and I’ve not taken them because of how difficult it is to leave this club, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

"But I know football moves on, I know teams move on and I think now is the time for me to move on and go wherever my next move is and wherever my career takes me."

The news comes just a couple of weeks after Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah announced his decision to leave at the end of the current campaign, although he still has a year left on his deal.

It's understood that a number of sides on the continent and in the Middle East, including Saudi Pro clubs, are keeping tabs on the Egyptian icon.