Curtis Jones has left Liverpool to join Inter Milan in a £30million deal, bringing his 20-year spell at Anfield to an end. The academy graduate's team-mates were quick to send their emotional goodbyes after the transfer was confirmed.
The move to the San Siro was completed after Andoni Iraola's side accepted the offer from the 2010 Champions League victors. The transfer concluded Jones' two-decade association with the red half of Merseyside on an emotional note.
Team-mates react to Jones' departure
Prior to his departure, Jones turned to social media and composed an extensive goodbye message to his former colleagues and the club's supporters, who witnessed him claim two Premier League crowns, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Club World Cup.
When his message appeared on Instagram, numerous Liverpool stars offered their goodbyes. Liverpool's £116m signing Florian Wirtz posted a love heart emoji as did Trey Nyoni.
Conor Bradley appeared especially upset to see Jones depart, posting a crying face emoji while Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, and Giovanni Leoni also added love heart emojis under the message.
Jones' record and England career
At Liverpool, Jones clocked up 228 appearances, chipping in with 22 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. Last season saw him make 34 Premier League appearances, though half of these were as a substitute.
He did manage to secure six international caps for England, but it wasn't enough to earn a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the recent World Cup.
Jones won't be the sole England international in the Italian metropolis. They have also secured John Stones as a free transfer and ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence.
Transfer saga and summer departures
Inter Milan had been rumoured to be interested in Jones during the January transfer window. They suggested a loan deal with an option to buy, but the Reds rejected their proposal.
Furthermore, the club also declined a verbal offer of £21.7m in June, prior to the World Cup. A subsequent bid of £25.7m plus £4.3m in add-ons was accepted by Andoni Iraola's team, just days before the Reds' Premier League opener against Newcastle United.
Jones is the fourth key player to depart this summer. Mohamed Salah was the first, leaving on a free transfer to join Turkish outfit Trabzonspor. Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate also exited on free transfers, signing for Tottenham and Real Madrid respectively.
Jones' emotional farewell message
Read Jones' emotional message: "After 16 years, it's time to say goodbye."
"I came here as a kid with a dream of playing for Liverpool, and I've been lucky enough to actually live that dream."
"This club is all I've ever known. I came here as a kid and I'm leaving as a man with a family of my own, which probably puts into perspective just how much of my life I've spent here."
"So much has happened during my time here, both on and off the pitch. I've made my debut, won trophies, made memories I'll never forget, and I've become a dad. Having my daughter while I've been here makes it even more special because Liverpool isn't just part of my story anymore, it's part of my family's story too."
"I want to thank everyone in the academy who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. There are people here who have known me since I was a kid and literally watched me grow up."
"Thank you to every manager and coach I've worked with for trusting me, giving me opportunities and always pushing me to become better. And a massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes - the physios, medical team, kit staff, chefs, analysts, security, media team, grounds staff and everyone else who makes this place what it is."
"To all the lads I've shared a dressing room with over the years, thank you. I've played with some unbelievable players and made friendships that I know I'll have for life."
"Thank you to the fans that stuck by me and always supported me. I will always be one of you. Now it's time for a new challenge and a new chapter for me and my family, and I'm excited for what's ahead."
"But Liverpool will always be a massive part of me. I came here as a kid with a dream and I'm leaving having lived it. So genuinely, to everyone who has played any part in my 16 years here, thank you. I'll never forget it. YNWA."
