Arne Slot told midfielder he had to leave Liverpool after 'very open and honest' talks

Tyler Morton has spoken about leaving Liverpool and signing for Lyon and the debt of gratitude he has for Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot

Tyler Morton has opened up on the 'very honest' talks he had with Arne Slot when told he was not part of the head coach's Liverpool plans. And the England hopeful has spoken of the 'eternal' gratitude he has for the current Reds boss and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

Morton spent 17 years at Liverpool, rising through their academy ranks to play in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, before ending his long association with the club in the summer.

The 22-year-old joined Lyon in a deal worth £15m inclusive of attainable add-ons with Liverpool having also negotiated a 20% sell-on clause as part of the transfer.

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The move came after Morton held discussions with Slot over his future after being restricted to just five appearances - and none in the Premier League - last season.

The midfielder had featured more regularly under Klopp in his breakthrough campaign at Anfield before he enjoyed successful loan spells in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and then Hull City.

And Morton, who started the Champions League clashes at home to Porto and away to AC Milan in the 2021-22 season, said: "Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development. I think at that moment, I was ready to play.

"I’m not saying that no-one believed it, but I think I was ready, and Klopp thought so too.

"He gave me the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a very big club. He believed in me, allowed me to go out on loan, to develop.

“With Arne Slot, I didn’t play as much as I wanted, even though I was ready.

"It was his decision, and I took it calmly, but I had to find another path. He was very open and very honest with me at the end of last season.

“We talked a lot, and he let me join OL (Lyon). It was the best decision.

"I will be eternally grateful to Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, in different ways. They are excellent managers, but also great men.

"Jurgen just wanted the best for me, he made me play great games in the Champions League and the Premier League. It was a great time, he helped me improve at every level."

Morton signed for Lyon in August after helping England defend their UEFA European Under-21 Championship crown with his cross in the final against Germany being converted by Jonathan Rowe to seal an extra-time 3-2 win.

Asked whether he has aims to force his way into the senior England squad ahead of the World Cup, Morton said: " I’m a very ambitious person. I’d like to play for my country first, before thinking about the World Cup.

"A World Cup is an important step in a player’s career, and it would be incredible. I hope to have the opportunity, if I continue to play, play well, and enjoy myself here."

Morton was a starter as he helped Lyon to three straight Ligue 1 wins before he was sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Rennes.

Speaking to Le Progres, he said: "The quality and intensity of French football are comparable to those of the Premier League, from what I’ve already seen. To make yourself known, to develop, you have to play in different leagues, to test yourself.

"Last summer, I didn’t have so many opportunities in the Premier League. Coming here was a good decision, I wouldn’t change anything today. I love being here, I love the fans, the players at the club. I’m living in a really exciting time."

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