Finally the Slovak’s misery at the Anfield has put to an end by the German manager Jurgen Klopp. Just due to the brilliance of Dejan Lovren and Mamdou Sakho, the 31-year-old’s playing time was cut short and Skrtel even lost to his place to Kolo Toure, who has also departed from the club. It is no secret that Martin Skrtel was one of the longest serving player for the Reds, and that’s why, he will be missed heavily.
The 31-year-old recently completed his transfer to the Turkish side Fenerbahce and it has been reported that the Istanbul club paid Liverpool £5m. Almost every player will miss the towering Slovakian, and his compatriot Lucas Leiva even sent a heart whelming message for Skrtel:
“My friend Martin Skrtel, I wish you all the very best in your new club. We will miss you. Pedro Lucas will miss Matteo. Good luck.”
Skrtel was presented as a Fenerbahce player on Friday, and it was Fenerbahce, who first announced his arrival through their twitter account.
Martin Skrtel, who started his professional career with AS Trenčín joined Liverpool in January 2008 after spending four successful seasons with Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he made 113 appearances. In his very first season with the club, he made 20 appearances. In his first full season with the club, he replaced the first choice defender Daniel Agger, but due to a knee injury, the player missed several weeks, yet Skrtel managed 30 appearnaces for the side.
Eventually, Martin went on to become a first team figure for Liverpool. During the 2011-12 season, he formed a great partnership with Daniel Agger and became one of the most toughest defensive duo in the league. The Slovakian’s increasing standard of performances led to him becoming a fan favourite at Anfield, and earned him the nickname ‘The Terminator’.
Skrtel became one of the best defenders Liverpool ever had and many believe that he would be the perfect candidate to succeed Jamie Carragher, who retired in 2013. The towering Slovak became a fan favourite due to his desire and dedication towards the club. He was fearless whenever he launched himself for the tackle.
Due to his fierce attitude in the game, he started receiving offers from many clubs, Skrtel remained with the Reds through their thick and thin. He played a great role for Liverpool, but due to his age and his lack of physical fitness, he became the second best for the team.
After the arrival of Klopp back in October 2015, the 31-year-old totally lost his place and injuries played a major role in that as well. Well, to be perfectly honest, it was for the good of Skrtel that Liverpool let him go, because let’s face it, the current form of Sakho and Lovren would never had given Skrtel a spot in the starting XI and to make it worse, Klopp bough Joel Matip.
The 2012 Liverpool player of the year, was and still is the favourite of the entire Liverpool family. Even to this date, Skrtel is a strong, aggressive and a utility defender, but the former Zenit St Petersburg man lacks consistency and also lacks the physical demands of the English game. Skrtel eventually became a surplus for Klopp and no one wanted him to become a third man in the family and therefore, his move is something very good for all the parties. With that being said, we wish Martin all the best for his future.
