Leighton Clarkson sends farewell message to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson has bid farewell to Jurgen Klopp after his formal Liverpool boss brought an end to his near nine-year stay on Merseyside.

The Premier League giants ended their campaign with a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield before emotional scenes took over when the German said goodbye to an emotional crowd.

His departure has prompted wave after wave of messages of thanks from current and former players, one of those being Dons ace Clarkson.

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The Lancashire-born Red was given his first shot at senior football under Klopp, even going on to earn his Champions League debut during his time in the north-west.

That impressive form failed to get him a regular first team role however, with a loan move signed and sealed as Clarkson ventured north to Pittodrie.

It would be in the Granite City where we would grow in confidence and excel, featuring under Jim Goodwin and Barry Robson before agreeing to stay put at Aberdeen and end his stay with Liverpool.

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He remains an integral part of the Dons squad, despite the turbulent season that has seen Robson and Neil Warnock come and go with Peter Leven left to take the reins.

And while Clarkson's focus might be on preparing for life under Jimmy Thelin, he shared a story on his Instagram page thanking Klopp for helping him get to where he is today.

He wrote: "Thank you for making my dream a reality. I'll be forever grateful. You'll be missed by everyone."

Clarkson made his debut for Liverpool in the 5-0 defeat in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa in December 2019 while the rest of first team were lifting the Club World Cup.

In December the following year, he played all ninety minutes of Liverpool's Champions League group game against Midtjylland in Denmark.

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