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Arne Slot has spoken candidly about Andy Robertson's Liverpool departure ahead of his exit at the end of the current campaign. The Reds confirmed on Thursday that Scotland international Robertson will leave Anfield this summer, with Slot shedding light on what has driven the decision.

Robertson, who celebrated his 32nd birthday last month, joined Liverpool from Hull City in 2017 and has played a pivotal role ushering in a remarkable period of success on Merseyside. Nevertheless, the full-back's involvement has diminished considerably under Slot, with Milos Kerkez pushing hard for the starting berth at left-back. That reduction in regular playing time has been a significant factor in Robertson's decision to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere. Slot acknowledged as much when addressing Robertson's imminent departure this week.

The Liverpool manager said: "He had many great seasons over here as a player but I think people got to know him as a great person as well, I got to know him, every team-mate will tell you how funny he is and how great a person he is and that has been shown a lot on social media as well.

"What I remember most about him is the intensity he is always playing with. We have learned something about intensity two days ago, but I can [remember] Robbo making a press from left full-back to right-back a few years ago and I showed that to the players I was working with then.

"He has won everything here, really loves this club, it has been a great nine years at the club. But we saw this season he didn't play as much as he used to and as a result of that he is leaving.

"It is difficult to be in that position longer than a season. Every player wants as much regular first-team football as possible."

Robertson's contract at Anfield is set to expire in June. Speculation had mounted that the Scotsman might agree a short-term extension to mark a decade with the club, but he has chosen to pursue a fresh challenge instead.

The experienced defender has claimed two Premier League titles, the Champions League, a Club World Cup, one FA Cup and a League Cup during his time on Merseyside. Speaking to the official Liverpool website, Robertson expressed his relief now that news of his forthcoming departure is in the public domain.

"I think I feel better now that it's out in the open," he said. "The hardest bit [in] the last certainly couple of weeks and months is some people that are close to me in the training ground don't know and more importantly, the fans.

"The closer it gets, the more and more questions you start to get. I've always said that the fans are the most important people at this club and I just think now is the time to tell them what's going on and that obviously this will be my last year.

"I just think it's better being out in the open, that now I can fully focus on the team from now until the end of the season. I think it's important that I do that, I've always done that.

"But the time to have the emotional farewell and tell the fans and the people connected to this club what they mean to me, that will come closer to the end. I don't think I'm quite ready for that yet. It's just to try to get it out there so I can now be open and honest with everyone."

Slot has presided over a disappointing second season at Liverpool. Having claimed the Premier League title in his maiden campaign, the Dutchman has found it difficult to replicate the same level of consistent performances after splashing more than £400million last summer.

Kerkez's arrival at left-back has proved a talking point, with some suggesting Robertson remains the stronger option despite his advancing years. Nevertheless, the player's ambition to secure a regular starting berth has prompted him to weigh up his alternatives elsewhere as Anfield braces itself for the conclusion of an era this summer.