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Former Liverpool man Adam Lallana has officially announced his retirement from professional football this Wednesday.

When Brendan Rodgers signed him for £25 million in 2014, Lallana arrived as a talented player who had helped Southampton establish themselves in the Premier League.

But it was under Jurgen Klopp that he truly found his calling and became the perfect embodiment of the German’s heavy metal football philosophy.

During his six seasons at Anfield, Lallana made 178 appearances and scored 22 goals, but his contribution went far beyond statistics.

He was instrumental in Liverpool’s journey back to elite European competition, helping the Reds reach the finals of both the League Cup and Europa League in 2015-16.

Although injuries hampered the latter part of his Liverpool career, he remained a crucial squad player during the most successful period in recent club history.

Taking to social media, the former England international penned a long and emotional message:

“As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride,” Lallana began.

“I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way.”

“You owe so much to so many on a journey like this – it’s impossible to name everyone, but to all those please know how grateful I am.

I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Lallana then went on to name all his former clubs and give his thanks to each one respectively:

“It’s crazy to think this all began in the last millennium, when I signed for the academy in 1999.”

“Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.”

“Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends?

It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to,” the 37-year-old continued.

“Liverpool… the chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.”

“Brighton… home to some of the happiest years of my life, at a club deeply connected to its community and run in such a smart, modern way.”

Finally, Lallana mentioned his family and ended off his statement:

“My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister, thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all.”

“I’m excited for whatever the future brings,” he signed off with.

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