Fabinho Opens Up on Decision to Leave Liverpool for Al-Ittihad | OneFootball

Fabinho Reflects on Liverpool Exit and Klopp Conversation That Shaped His Future

When Fabinho left Liverpool in the summer of 2023, it felt like the end of an era. For five years, the Brazilian patrolled the midfield with a calm authority, playing 219 times and becoming a linchpin in Jürgen Klopp’s trophy-winning side. Yet, within the space of a few conversations and a shifting squad plan, one of Liverpool’s most reliable figures was on a plane to Saudi Arabia.

Midfield Overhaul and Unexpected Departure

Liverpool’s 2023 summer window brought sweeping changes. James Milner, Jordan Henderson, and Fabinho departed, while Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai arrived to lead a midfield refresh. On paper, it looked like natural evolution. In reality, it was a moment of surprise — especially for a player who never seemed on the fringes.

“I didn’t want to leave the club and go to any other club in Europe. I thought it was the best place in the world to play, to keep developing as a player,” Fabinho admitted.

When Al-Ittihad came calling, Fabinho expected Liverpool to turn down the offer. “I thought I was an important player and that they would refuse any offer, but I realised that the club was open to selling me.”

Klopp’s Words and the Turning Point

Before making a decision, Fabinho sought clarity from Klopp himself. “I said [to him] that I’d heard the offer and liked it but I wanted to hear from him what he thought. He said that if there are any players who want to leave, he won’t hold them back.”

For Fabinho, that was decisive. “It was a speech that kind of opened the door for me to leave. That conversation with the coach could have kept me at the club but he left it open and I didn’t like it very much.”

Life Beyond Liverpool

Fabinho insists his affection for Liverpool remains. “Liverpool is a club I love but the things that happened at the time steered my life towards Arabia. I left in peace and happy with my decision.”

Now entering his third season with Al-Ittihad, Fabinho is focused on helping his team defend their Saudi Pro League title, secured in May. For Liverpool, his exit was part of a wider transition; for Fabinho, it was the start of a new chapter, shaped not by ambition alone, but by the subtle weight of a manager’s words.