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Naby Keita’s spell at Liverpool, following his much-anticipated transfer from RB Leipzig for a club-record fee of £52.75 million in 2018, was a story of high expectations tempered by repeated setbacks.

Touted as a dynamic midfielder who could dominate in both attack and defense, Keita was seen as the final piece in Jurgen Klopp’s tactical puzzle.

However, his time at Anfield was marked by frequent injuries and inconsistency, which prevented him from truly realizing his potential on Merseyside.

Keita made 129 appearances for Liverpool across five seasons, scoring 11 goals.

While he played pivotal roles in some of the club’s biggest achievements — including the Premier League, Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs — his recurring injuries meant he was often unavailable during key stretches of the season.

Keita was a vital part of Liverpool’s midfield when fit, but ultimately, the physical demands of the Premier League and his injury record meant he never fully established himself as a consistent starter?

After leaving Liverpool in 2023 on a free transfer, Keita returned to Germany with Werder Bremen, but injuries continued to plague his career.

Nonetheless, his time at Anfield, while marked by challenges, will be remembered for the important role he played in some of Liverpool’s most memorable victories?.

And it seems Reds fans have not forgotten that.

What did Naby Keita say about the Liverpool fans?

Speaking to the Guardian, the Guinea international admitted that his time on Merseyside was tough despite winning the biggest trophies in club football:

“It was tough mentally, of course,” he says.

“I was the first to get frustrated.

I wanted to play every game but unfortunately I had a lot of injuries that prevented me from giving more than I did.

But that’s the life of a footballer.”

“I did everything I could to be there for the team at all times, but unfortunately injuries are part of our job.”

He then revealed that Liverpool fans are not holding any grudges and always greet him positively when they see him in person:

The Liverpool fans have given me a lot of love,” he said.

“Even today, wherever I meet them, they show me the same love.

They’re the best fans in the world.

My aim was to fulfil my childhood dream of winning titles.”

“Winning the Premier League after 30 years, winning the Champions League – these are incredible moments that I can’t forget.

He’s a fantastic coach and he was the strength of this group.”

Keita has endured some difficulties at Werder Bremen since his 2024 summer transfer, so it’s nice to hear the Reds are still giving him support.

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