All Jurgen Klopp could say was ‘wow’ as Liverpool stars pay tribute to Thiago

Liverpool stars lined up to pay tribute to Thiago Alcantara after their former teammate announced his retirement from football.

The 33-year-old has had terrible luck with injuries in recent years and has decided to hang up his boots after his Liverpool contract expired this summer.

“I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it,” Thiago said on social media.

“Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon, Thiago.”

Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez were among Liverpool players to react to his retirement on social media while the club offered their best wishes.

Robertson said: “What a player, what a career! Enjoy retirement my friend.”

Mac Allister commented: “I’ll stay wanting to play next to you but some drills were enough to see what you’re capable of with a soccer ball up close. Thank you for everything you gave to football and good luck in this new stage of your life.”

Nunez remarked: “Thanks for everything brother! The soccer world will miss you. Best wishes to you and your family.”

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, said: “What a player and what a guy! Good luck my friend.”

Former Liverpool throw-in coach Thomas Gronnemark said: “I´ve had the pleasure to watch many of the best players in training. Many were/are world class, but only a few was a absolute joy to watch. Often I felt lucky to be able to see his skills in training… without paying a ticket. GOOD LUCK in the future Thiago.”

Former Barcelona boss Xaxi was among numerous former club and international teammates to pay their tributes too.

He posted on Instagram: “Congratulations on your great career. Enjoy the family now.”

Xabi Alonso, now boss of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, said: “Thanks Magic!! It has been a pleasure playing with you.”

Thiago has had quite the footballing CV, playing for Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool and boasting a fine medal record at all of them.

At Barcelona, where he came up through the academy, he won four LaLiga titles and the Champions League.

He joined German giants Bayern Munich in 2013 and went on to win seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League again in 2020.

After lifting the European cup for a second time and being named in the Champions League XI of the year, Liverpool snapped up the midfielder for just £20million.

He lifted the FA Cup and was a Champions League runner-up under Jurgen Klopp, but injuries hampered the Spaniard at Anfield throughout his four years at the club.

In his first three seasons, Thiago managed 97 appearances but the last campaign was a nightmare, playing just four minutes as injuries left him sidelined.

It led to an emotional farewell at the end of last season at Liverpool where he joined Klopp and Joel Matip in departing.

Speaking about the playmaker, Klopp gave a poignant summary of Thiago’s career at Anfield, where he won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022.

The German coach said: “Before he even came to Liverpool I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play.

“Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us.

“I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he got here – what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could you not? – and I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us.

“From that point on I got to see him up close and all I can say is ‘Wow’. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities.

“I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.”