For me right now, things aren’t so clear. My contract with Liverpool, well, it finishes up soon. In just a few months. I’m being honest—sitting on the bench so much, it’s been tough. That’s gonna be a big part of what I decide.
The club hasn’t given me a new offer to look at. Not yet. So I have to think, is staying an option or is going one? I’ll be 32 soon. It’s time to figure this out.
We talked, but that’s private. What happens? I don’t know. Asking if I want to stay, that’s a hard question. Really hard. I got these five months left. Need to see what’s there. I’ll decide with my family, what we all want.
Last summer was stress, turning down big clubs. Now I just try to enjoy being here. A Liverpool player. We qualified for the World Cup, which was huge for me. That matters.
But playing… I’ve only started a few league games. Milos is playing great, I get that. It’s just different for me. I always played. Even hurt. I remember once, Klopp left me out just one time and I was so angry. That’s me. I want the grass under my feet.
Sitting happy on the bench? That’s not me. If a player is happy there, I don’t think they got the right attitude for a club like this. I’ve enjoyed my different role this season, sure. But I want to play. I think I’ve played well when I got the chance. Just… not as much. We’ll see.
My relationship here is strong, though. They signed me for only 8 million, remember? I like to remind people of that sometimes. I gave everything. They were good to me. We always showed each other respect. That won’t change, whatever happens.
I’ve had so many good days here. Won trophies. Given everything, day in and out. Now, I focus on these last months. Help the team. Then get ready for the World Cup with Scotland. After that, we’ll know.
Sometimes my body feels fine, honestly, but it’s the mind that struggles more with watching. You train all week wanting that feeling, the crowd noise falling away when you’re locked in. It’s a specific kind of quiet. Now I get it in flashes, which is better than none, but it leaves you wanting.
I help Milos, of course. He’s a good lad and he’s the future. Gave him advice about the league, the fans here. It’s strange coaching your replacement, but what else is there to do? Be bitter? That helps nobody. We still laugh in training. The manager says my experience in the dressing room matters now, and I guess I see that.
There was a match last month, I came on for the last twenty minutes. We were protecting a lead. My lungs were burning after five minutes—a different kind of fitness, that. But organizing, shouting, seeing it out… it gave a different satisfaction. A quieter one. I walked off feeling useful, but not fulfilled. That’s the difference now.
Beyond all this, there’s my boy watching. He asks why I don’t start. What do I tell him? Football is complicated, son. It’s not just about running the most. He’ll learn. Maybe we’ll be somewhere new next season, explaining a new city to him. Or maybe here, explaining patience. I don’t know the answer yet. But I’m looking forward to finding out, in a way. A new chapter, or an old one written a bit longer.
