Dirk Kuyt has expanded on his reasons for departing Anfield and accepting a new challenge with Fenerbache. The Dutch international also revealed that he has been inundated with messages of goodwill since his transfer became public.
A popular figure amongst Liverpool fans for his work ethic and commitment, such a response may have been expected. Yet it seems to have surprised and moved the 31-year-old.
"My last season at Liverpool wasn't the best one," Kuyt admitted.
"I thought that I should've played more so, after six years, I just had a feeling I needed to change something in my career, a new experience, a new country, new people around me, and that's why I made the decision to leave.
"I had a great time and I had great team-mates. The club was great, the people were great and the people from Liverpool - the text messages, the phone calls, the e-mails, all the tweets I had on my Twitter account - it's unbelievable how much respect they showed me and it's also a bit emotional.
"They wished me good luck and they said that they will miss me."
Kuyt admits the decision was tough but feels it is a correct one.
He added: "On one hand, it's always very sad when you have to leave a football club after six years.
"But, on the other hand, you also look to the future and I think Fenerbahce is a great club, with also great supporters and I really look forward to the new experience."
Follow shanklygates.co.uk on Twitter at http://twitter.com/shankly_gates
