Naby Keita, the former Liverpool midfielder, has opened up about his time at Anfield following his departure from the club at the end of the 2022–23 season. The Guinean international, now playing for Werder Bremen, expressed mixed feelings about his five seasons with the Reds as he reflected on the highs and lows of his career.
Joining Liverpool for what was then a club-record fee of around £52 million ($65 million) after impressing at RB Leipzig, Keita arrived at Anfield with great expectations. His transfer was marked by excitement, especially as he took on the renowned number 8 shirt previously held by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Despite this promising start, Keita’s time at Liverpool was marred by injury setbacks and inconsistent performances, which limited his ability to cement himself as a first-team regular.
"The Liverpool fans have shown me immense love," Keita shared during his recent interview with the Guardian. He recalled the warmth of the supporters, noting, "Even today, wherever I meet them, they express the same love. They’re, without doubt, the best fans in the world. Liverpool is more than just a club; it’s a family, and the famous anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ resonates deeply with me.” His reflections capture the unique bond he’s developed with fans, even as his on-pitch contributions may not have fully lived up to expectations.
During his tenure, which extended from 2018 to 2023, Keita was part of the Liverpool squad which finally broke the club’s 30-year Premier League title drought and clinched the UEFA Champions League trophy—a feat he cherishes. He described these victories as unforgettable moments and emphasized the importance of making fans happy during his time. “We won significant trophies and were always hungry for more. That passion was driven by our incredible coach, Jurgen Klopp, who pushed us to perform at our best,” he added, highlighting Klopp's influence on the team dynamics.
Despite these achievements, the reality of Keita's time at Liverpool is complex. He never managed to play more than 25 Premier League games in any of the five seasons, culminating in only 84 league appearances overall. His inconsistency on the field, coupled with recurring injuries, led some to speculate whether he ever fully adapted to the rigors of English football.
Following his departure from Liverpool, he signed with Werder Bremen but soon faced challenges. After joining Bremen, Keita hoped to revive his career, yet he found himself embroiled in controversy. His initial period was characterized by more setbacks, including accusations of failing to report for matches and subsequent suspension, which has left him training with the U23 squad.
"I had the option of extending my stay at Liverpool," Keita revealed, referring to his contract situation last year. “But after five years, I wanted to explore opportunities where I could gain more playing time.” He expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of staying at Liverpool and being sidelined, which motivated his move back to the Bundesliga, where he felt more familiar and could potentially flourish once again.
Keita emphasizes his desire to enjoy playing football again, stating, "I wanted to be on the pitch making passes, scoring goals. If it had been purely about money, I would have signed elsewhere. The only thing driving me was the chance to play every weekend, relish the game, and bring joy to the fans.” Unfortunately, his path has not gone as planned at Werder Bremen; with little playing time and now restricted to U23 training, questions loom over his professional future.
Liverpool fans have not turned their backs on Keita. Despite his struggles to find form and fitness, he still receives encouragement and cheers from the Liverpool faithful. His parting words about the club reflect deep gratitude, which speaks volumes about the connection he forged during his time on Merseyside. “The support I received was genuine and heartwarming. It will always hold significance for me,” he told listeners during the interview.
Keita’s story serves as a reminder of the fine line athletes walk between success and struggle within the demanding world of sports. Though he faced difficulties at Liverpool, his contributions led to joy for many, reinforcing the unique bond between players and supporters. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Keita, but his past experiences at Liverpool will forever be etched both in his memory and the hearts of fans who supported him along the way.
