Jurgen Klopp says Daniel Sturridge should be remembered as a ‘modern-day Liverpool great’ following his departure from the club. England forward Sturridge will leave Liverpool this summer upon the expiry of his contract, the club have announced.
Sturridge’s last appearance for Liverpool came as a late substitute during the 4-0 Champions League semi-final second-leg win over Barcelona, which saw the Reds complete a remarkable turnaround to book their place in Madrid. Sturridge moved to Merseyside from Chelsea during January 2013 and went on to score 67 times in 160 appearances for Liverpool.
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“Daniel has earned the right to be considered a modern-day Liverpool great, I would think,” Klopp said. “He came to the club while we were trying to rebuild and re-establish ourselves. Some of the goals he has scored for Liverpool were so, so, so important.
“He is one of the best finishers I have ever seen in my life. He scores goals you think could and should not be possible.” Klopp also paid tribute to Sturridge’s influence off the pitch. The Liverpool boss added: “What maybe is missed on the outside of the club by many is what a great leader Daniel is in our dressing room.
He is smart, confident and not afraid to speak up when he thinks there is something that needs adapting to help the team. “He has been great with many of the younger players also, so he has been so important to our progression here.”
