Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Cameroon international Joel Matip may contemplate retirement after his departure from Liverpool as the 32-year-old continues his rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery.
Friday marked the confirmation of Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara’s exit from Anfield, as their contracts expire on July 1. Both players endured a season marred by injuries, with Matip featuring in just 14 games before suffering an ACL injury in December, while Thiago’s contributions were limited due to ongoing fitness concerns.
While Thiago has garnered interest from several clubs, there has been less speculation surrounding Matip’s future, making Klopp’s remarks on his post-Liverpool career noteworthy.
“Joel and Thiago were in my office. I spoke a bit longer [with them] this week,” the departing manager told reporters on Friday.
“Have you ever seen a better free transfer than Joel Matip?
“You will not find a more likeable person than Joel Matip, he’s funny in his own way—ridiculously funny, to be honest—and a wonderful man, with a wonderful family.
“So he has to make a decision if he wants to play on or not, we will see that or read it, whatever.
“But whoever gets him is a lucky club, definitely, because he’s world class and super humble. That together is now really rare, like super humble.”
Klopp’s sentiments shed light on the admiration and respect Matip commands within the footballing community, underscoring his value both on and off the pitch.