By Alan Duffy
While a number of Liverpool’s younger stars have been called up for Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad, one older head at Anfield has packed his bags for good. Dutch attacker Dirk Kuyt is the biggest Liverpool name to leave the club under Brendan Rodgers’ new regime, with the hard-working wideman moving to Fenerbahce in a three-year deal.
Kuyt, 31, made over 250 appearances for the Reds, bagging a total of 71 goals in the process. However, it was his never-say-die attitude and ability to make the most of his limited skills which endeared him to the Anfield faithful. A statement from the club said:
“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to wish Dirk all the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the club.”
Kuyt himself was keen to play down rumours that the appointment of Rodgers had influenced his departure, saying:
“After six years I am ready for a new challenge. (The club and supporters) I will always carry in my heart. The new coach has nothing to do with it.”
The experienced Dutchman had been a key part of Liverpool’s (intermittent) success since joining in 2006 from Feyenoord, but with his number of starts for the club starting to dwindle last season, Kuyt has decided to move on. And we shall indeed miss his lung-busting runs, toothy grin and ‘individual’ hairstyle.