After developing into a world-class player at RB Leipzig, Guinea midfielder Naby Keita made the perfect move to Liverpool in the summer of 2018.
At Anfield, Keita was a match-winner with his unique rhythm of dribbling, passing and the occasional leaping mid-range shot.
Throughout his time at the club, he was plagued by injuries for long periods. After five years and 129 appearances, he signed a contract with Bundesliga side Bremen in the summer of 2023, when his contract expired.
However, he did not fit in at his new club and had a difficult relationship with the leadership, and has been in exile this season.
The former Liverpool midfielder, who spends his days in Germany not being allowed on the bench, let alone playing, looks back on his time at Anfield and reveals his frustration at repeated injuries.
“It was tough mentally, of course,”
“I was the first to get frustrated. I wanted to play every game but unfortunately I had a lot of injuries that prevented me from giving more than I did. But that’s the life of a footballer.”
“I did everything I could to be there for the team at all times, but unfortunately injuries are part of our job.”
the Guardian
Nevertheless, he is still attached to playing for Liverpool. He says the supporters loved him and he is proud to have won so many titles with his excellent teammates.
“The Liverpool fans have given me a lot of love,”
“Even today, wherever I meet them, they show me the same love. They’re the best fans in the world. Liverpool is a family and you never walk alone. My aim was to fulfil my childhood dream of winning titles.”
“Winning the Premier League after 30 years, winning the Champions League – these are incredible moments that I can’t forget. We won a lot of trophies and we were able to make our fans happy.”
“That was the most important thing. This team was hungry. We wanted to win every game and we were lucky to have Jürgen Klopp to push us to give our best on the pitch. He’s a fantastic coach and he was the strength of this group.”
the Guardian