MAXI Rodriguez has left Liverpool Football Club by mutual consent. The Argentine arrived at Anfield on a free transfer from Spanish side Atletico Madrid during Rafael Benitez’s tenure as Liverpool boss.
Although often used only as a squad player by successive Liverpool managers, Maxi gained cult status amongst supporters of the club for his commitment, intelligence and uncanny ability to arrive unmarked at the back post at just the right moment.
It had been widely rumoured that Maxi would leave the club this summer with the arrival of Brendan Rodgers and the club’s desire to reduce the wage bill, particularly in regards to the more senior players. Upon returning to pre-season training rumours surfaced of a deal between Maxi and his old club in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, pending approval and release from Liverpool FC.
That approval was given today and the club announced officially on their website:
“Liverpool Football Club can today confirm that Maxi Rodriguez has joined Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. Everyone at Liverpool FC would like to thank Maxi for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”
The 31 year old who scored seventeen goals in seventy three appearances in a Reds’ shirt will sign a two and a half year deal.
Maxi said farewell to Liverpool fans in style, penning an open letter which can be read in full below.
Dear Reds, I am leaving Liverpool FC today.
Before signing for LFC, I just saw the club as one of the greatest institutions in football. After my time here I can confirm that this is not just a great club but also a great family.
I have tried to give everything every day that I was wearing the LFC crest. It has been a great honour to defend this shirt during two and a half years. I am returning home with a suitcase full of great memories, good friends within the team and also within this great family that works every day in the club. Thanks a lot for your support. You can NOT imagine what a great honour it was for me when the Kop sang, ‘Maxi, Maxi Rodríguez runs down the wing for me da da da da dada…’
Hasta la vista.
Maxi
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Sad to see him go but I think for him it’s great to go back to the team where it all began!
Unfortunately for Maxi, having a purple patch when KD came back wasn’t good enough to land him more playing time!
I always liked it when maxi came on the pitch – he was one of the few who could find the back of the net. Given the playing time that carroll had I think he would have scored more goals than Carroll
Maxi, you legend.
If only half the squad had your footballing guile, intelligence and commitment. Always contributed when called upon from the moment you came to the club…if only we had more like you. Returning to your boyhood club says it all about you in a footballing world driven by money. all the best YNWA
That’s a shame. I think he would have had a resurgence within the new system. He was, by a good distance, our best right mid last year, Kenny reeally missed the boat on that one. One of too many good players that have gotten lost in the mismanagement shuffle of the last half dozen years. It is great to see him following his heart and heading back home, not some random team just to grab the £.
i ve no enough word to say how much it sadings me to know MAXI left………….all i ll say is well done thank you for all ur commitment to this great club n u ll be much missed….all the best maxi…..
Maxi is a great ambassador not just for liverpool and argentina but for football in general. I am glad he came to LFC and wish him a fantastic time in Newells. He scored some nice goals and showed playing football should be enjoyable & simple. Some LFC players last season processed thoughts so much and live so much in media glitz and other nonsense. He showed how you separate others from simple thing as playing football. Rafa signed some good people in his time and Maxi is one more of them.
A really good player he was for us, would have been better if he played in a more passing system as we saw when Kenny first came. Can Rogers please make Willian his marquee signing? That dude is pretty underrated.
Kuyt and Maxi gone…still doesn’t sound right noo matter how many times you say it