Georginio Wijnaldum has joined PSG after leaving Liverpool.
Gatekeepers News reports that Georginio Wijnaldum has signed a three-year free transfer deal with Paris Saint-Germain after exiting Liverpool.
Wijnaldum had opted not to sign an extension to his contract at Anfield at the end of the season. The Dutch footballer will now play under Mauricio Pochettino in France.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Bayern Munich had both tried to sign the midfielder, who will captain the Netherlands at this summer’s Euros.
Wijnaldum said, “Joining Paris Saint-Germain is a new challenge for me … I join one of the best teams in Europe and I am determined to bring my desire and my determination to this ambitious project.
“Paris Saint-Germain has proved its status in recent years, and I am certain that together, for our supporters, we can go even further and higher.”
The 30-year-old who left Newcastle for Liverpool in 2016 had made 237 appearances for the Reds and won the Champions League and Premier League during his five-year spell.
Gini as he is fondly called was given a guard of honour in his final Liverpool game last month in a 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace. The win guaranteed Jurgen Klopp’s side a spot in next season’s Champions League.
After the game, Wijnaldum said: “I’m fighting against my tears right now.
“I’ve said that the people in Liverpool and the club, my teammates, have shown me love during the five years, and I will miss them.”
Wijnaldum added that “I hoped to play many more years for the club but unfortunately things went different.”
Liverpool while confirming his exit said: “Premier League winner. Champions League winner. FIFA Club World Cup winner. UEFA Super Cup winner. Liverpool legend.
“We thank Gini for all of his contributions to the club during the past five years and wish him the best of luck in the rest of his career.”
Jurgen Klopp in his farewell to Gini, told the club’s website: “I will miss the player he is like crazy – highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.”
“But as a person, he’ll leave just as big a hole. A more giving individual you could not wish to meet. Gini is very strong and opinionated, but his motivation is only to help the team – always. His teammates adored him and respected him in equal measure.
“His smile lit up our workplace. He was a huge part of our beating heart. Of course, he is now someone else’s and on behalf of the team, we wish him great success in France with PSG. It is no surprise he’s joined such an amazing club. Knowing his personality, he will fall in love with the city and the team – and they with him.
“Farewell, Gini: you came, you saw, you won the lot. You’re a Liverpool legend now and forever.”
Wijnaldum’s exit has increased the chances of Liverpool entering the transfer market to replace the midfielder.
