Andy Robertson hints at Liverpool exit plan after taking on new role

Andy Robertson has embraced his new role as vice-captain and mentor after a busy summer of arrivals including Milos Kerkez, while hinting at an imminent departure.

There was, at one stage in the summer, a very real possibility of Robertson lining up against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night.

But the 31-year-old turned down advances from Atletico Madrid in order to stay on Merseyside, and that decision was followed by his appointment as Arne Slot‘s new vice-captain.

In a way he has inherited the James Milner role of veteran backup, providing his leadership off the field more so than on it, with Kerkez joining as new first-choice left-back.

And after scoring the opening goal in fortuitous circumstances as Liverpool beat Atletico 3-2, Robertson explained his outlook on the job and pointed out that his contract will expire in 2026.

“It’s part and parcel of football. When you’re at a club like Liverpool you expect to be challenged every season,” he told TNT Sports of Kerkez taking his place.

“This one’s been a bit different in terms of we’ve brought somebody in who’s probably going to start, so that was a bit different for me.

“It was a bit of a difficult summer but once I made my mind up I committed to it.

“Obviously I’ve only got a year left and I love playing with this club, I love playing out there with the lads, I can help the lads as well.

“Getting the vice-captaincy this season has given me added responsibility as well, so I’ve just kind of thrived on that.

“Once the games get going and there’s more games, I believe I’ll play enough football. I’m taking positives and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

There is a sense there that Robertson may be at peace with his situation, prepared to impart his wisdom in a season of significant change before leaving on a free transfer in the summer.

While that is not yet guaranteed – and Liverpool could still seek to tie him down to extended terms – if that is the case the Scotland captain is confident the club have set themselves up for long-term success with a new generation.

“So many players came in, but they’re all young as well,” he said of the transfer window just gone.

“So you do have to help them, you do have to make sure they’re settled in, make sure they don’t get caught up in too much.

“It’s a completely different club to play for. It’s one of the best clubs in the world but it’s one of the most demanding, one of the biggest clubs.

“That comes with a responsibility, it comes with pressure as well. We’ve all thrived on it for years and these lads will thrive on it as well.

“They’ve all got the mentality to play here for years and years to come and I think they’ll just get better and better.”

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