Liverpool coach issues emotional Jurgen Klopp message as departure confirmed

Liverpool head of goalkeeping John Achterberg has delivered an emotional farewell message as he prepares to end a 15-year association with the club.

Achterberg's contract with the Reds expires at the end of the season and, with Jurgen Klopp and several key coaching staff members leaving in the summer, the Dutchman has opted to also depart.

The former Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper joined Liverpool in 2009, initially to work with the younger players before being promoted to the senior set-up two years later.

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Achterberg grew in prominence under Klopp with Liverpool winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield. During his time at the club, the Reds also won the League Cup when Kenny Dalglish was in charge.

And confirming his imminent exit, Achterberg said on social media: "After 15 years at the club, I have decided with a heavy heart to leave LFC. It has been an unbelievable and great journey for me and my family. I have loved each day working at this amazing club, but after a long think I feel it could be right for me to start a new challenge.

"I would like to thank FSG for all the support during those 15 years – Mike Gordon, John Henry, Tom Werner and Billy Hogan. It has been a privilege to work for the biggest and greatest club in world football with its amazing supporters. Whether they are Scouse or non-Scouse, I loved them all worldwide.

"A massive thank you goes to our manager Jurgen Klopp. What joy he gives to all of us. Klopp has fulfilled all our dreams at LFC. He is one of (the) best managers in the history of the city, the club and world football.

"He created world-class teams with his man-management skills, he brought us back to being believers, winners, and a force in European and world football.

"For me personally, I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for me and my family, for the trust he gave me to do my job to the best I can, the joy, inspiration and the great leadership."

Achterberg added: "He allowed me to scout keepers to bring them in and keep developing goalkeepers to a world-class standard. I am leaving behind probably the best keepers and goalkeeping department in LFC history. Some keepers we sold but the aim was always to give them a professional career in football.

"I want to thank everyone working in the club with me over all those years and made every day a joy to work there. I will miss you all like crazy. I made so many friends and good colleagues, from coaches to all the keepers and players over those years I've worked with. As well as that, there are the ground staff, kitchen staff, kit team, medical fitness department, nutrition, press department, media, video and photo crew and analysis. I am sure I have forgotten someone, but you all have made it an extra privilege to work there."