Martin Skrtel is gone.
He’s not dead – just moved to Turkey, and in doing so brings to an end eight years at Liverpool.
Although news of his move to Fenerbahce has only just been confirmed by the Turkish club, word got round that he was in town to for his medical at the Istanbul club a couple of days ago.
Amongst Liverpool supporters, the overwhelming sentiment was probably something like this…
So Skrtel is gone. Sure had chances to leave LFC in the past but chose to stay. Now was the right time to leave. Thank you and All the best!
— smakdown (@lezituman) July 14, 2016
But it’s also fair to say that plenty were pretty chuffed to see the back of him. We’re not sure why…
https://twitter.com/Matt_Furniss/status/753575293005262848
This started when the Slovakian touched down in Istanbul earlier in the week – although how they were able to work he was on the brink of a move is beyond us…
Skrtel gone. May you never wrestle alone. #LFC pic.twitter.com/2SmrOMK2S5
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) July 12, 2016
With the news now confirmed by Fenerbahce, here is a sample of what some of the Liverpool support was saying.
Although many were quick to point to his loyalty, they also added that, for a defender, there was one major problem with him: he was shit at defending.
Skrtel gone, at long last. Relief. Loyal servant to the club, scored some big goals but ultimately not a very good defender. All the best.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) July 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/LfcReg/status/753573844925943808
He's been a loyal servant yeah, but lets be honest, everyone is happy Skrtel has gone.
— Jimmy (@EntireDesign_) July 14, 2016
Many were treating his departure as being one of the best bits of business Jurgen Klopp had done all summer.
https://twitter.com/svdkenie/status/753573083399741440
Waiting for LFC to confirm that Skrtel's gone so the party can start.
— Shane (@Blame_Suarez) July 14, 2016
The phrase ‘about time’ was also a popular response.
Skrtel has gone about time !😎
— dowloptfitness (@AdamD2022) July 14, 2016
And with Skrtel joining a couple of other Anfield departures, many also pointed to Jurgen Klopp’s shrewd transfer dealings so far.
#LFC Transfers so far:
In:
Matip Free
Karius £4.7m
Mane £30m
Out:
Sinclair £4m
Skrtel £5.5m
Canos £2.5m
Ibe £15m£7.7m net spend
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) July 13, 2016
We can’t help feeling that net spend of £7.7m may increase in the weeks to come.
