Arne Slot told midfielder he had to leave Liverpool after 'very open and honest' talks

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And the England hopeful has spoken of the 'eternal' gratitude he has for the current Reds boss and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

Morton spent 17 years at Liverpool, rising through their academy ranks to play in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, before ending his long association with the club in the summer.

The 22-year-old joined Lyon in a deal worth £15m inclusive of attainable add-ons with Liverpool having also negotiated a 20% sell-on clause as part of the transfer.



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The move came after Morton held discussions with Slot over his future after being restricted to just five appearances - and none in the Premier League - last season.

The midfielder had featured more regularly under Klopp in his breakthrough campaign at Anfield before he enjoyed successful loan spells in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and then Hull City.

And Morton, who started the Champions League clashes at home to Porto and away to AC Milan in the 2021-22 season, said: "Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development.

I think at that moment, I was ready to play.

"I’m not saying that no-one believed it, but I think I was ready, and Klopp thought so too.

"He gave me the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a very big club.

He believed in me, allowed me to go out on loan, to develop.

“With Arne Slot, I didn’t play as much as I wanted, even though I was ready.

"It was his decision, and I took it calmly, but I had to find another path.

They are excellent managers, but also great men.

"Jurgen just wanted the best for me, he made me play great games in the Champions League and the Premier League.

I hope to have the opportunity, if I continue to play, play well, and enjoy myself here."

Morton was a starter as he helped Lyon to three straight Ligue 1 wins before he was sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Rennes.

Speaking to Le Progres, he said: "The quality and intensity of French football are comparable to those of the Premier League, from what I’ve already seen.

To make yourself known, to develop, you have to play in different leagues, to test yourself.

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"Last summer, I didn’t have so many opportunities in the Premier League.