​Slot: "I'll Never Forget the Fans' Pain and the Grief of Losing Jota; Liverpool Will Be Fine"

Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an exclusive letter to the Liverpool Echo (the biggest local media outlet in Liverpool) bidding farewell to the club.

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When you walk out of the Anfield tunnel and pass that famous sign, you feel a mix of emotions.

First, there is responsibility. For the club's glorious history.

Second, expectation. To continue the grand tradition of Liverpool Football Club as one of the greatest clubs in world football, a tradition spanning 134 years.

Finally, determination. To compete. To win. To bring success to the world-renowned Anfield faithful.

All of those emotions culminated in a Premier League title after just 12 months, and that means the world. It is not just a trophy; it is the ultimate reward for the hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment of everyone at the club.

Even better, you shared that joy with us. You sang our songs. You cheered our goals. You were there the day we lifted the trophy. Lining the streets outside the ground and filling the stands inside Anfield, waiting with bated breath.

You lost so much in 2020, but I will always remember how much your involvement mattered. And seeing you in your thousands on the streets of Liverpool as we celebrated our victory deepened that appreciation.

The tragic events later that day on Walter Street were shocking, and my thoughts remain with all those affected.

I was privileged to witness your compassion and solidarity first hand. The same spirit that has helped carry the city through so many difficult times, and that I hope will help deliver the justice and accountability for which so many have fought for so many years.

We celebrated together just weeks before, but in an instant… we all lost Diogo. It is hard to put into words. I want to remember a teammate, a friend, and a wonderful human being who touched the hearts of so many, every time he pulled on the Liverpool badge.

The love, compassion and support shown by the Liverpool family during one of the most difficult periods in the club's history was remarkable. As I leave this club, I must say that the way you have remembered Diogo, and come together to honour him, will stay with me forever.

The bond between us goes beyond football. Beyond European nights under the lights at Anfield. Beyond You'll Never Walk Alone ringing around the Kop.

You made me feel at home from the start and guided me along the way. I will treasure that forever.

Of course, I must say thank you.

To all the players, who wore the badge with pride and represented the club all over the world. To all the staff – not just the coaches on the training ground, but everyone behind the scenes, whether caring for the grass at Anfield or working in the canteen at the training ground.

To the club's hierarchy and owners for their trust and guidance. And to the legends who have been supportive and have taught me so much about 'The Liverpool Way'.

It has been an honour to work with you all.

Liverpool's 20th league title belongs to all of us and will remain an important page in the club's history. We should all be proud of that.

This club will always measure itself against the highest honours. That is how it should be.

But I leave knowing the club is where it should be – among the European elite. Securing Champions League qualification was a vital responsibility, guaranteeing Liverpool continues to compete at the highest level next season and beyond.

I am full of confidence about the future. The players who have given so much to the club, who embody its values and have created so many unforgettable moments, have laid a strong foundation.

At the same time, a new generation is emerging, ready to write their own stories and embrace the responsibility of wearing this shirt.

Change is part of football. But I am sure this club will continue to make the supporters proud.

When I first stood under that sign in the Anfield tunnel, I knew what this club demanded of me. I leave knowing we never stopped fighting for it.

Arne Slot

Source: Liverpool Echo