Pepe has been a fantastic player for LFC, and not just that, a leader and a rock solid character in the dressing room and on the pitch. He always struck me as a calm, level headed guy who went about his business without fanfare or fuss, and exuded confidence that would have rubbed off on the defenders in front of him. He will definately be missed, I'll miss him, and it'll take a while to get used to seeing someone else between the posts.
As he said, the manner of his departure though is not what anyone - himself, the fans, the club - would be happy with.
But he did also say this:
" I told the manager that I wanted to play for Liverpool and that Barcelona would only become an option for me if the opportunity arrived, like the rumours said it would, as it would be a chance for me to go back home"
'Like the rumours said it would' suggests he thought he would be leaving. So the club signed Mignolet. Then it turns out Barca is not on, and so the loan to Napoli - I completely agree it's an anti-climax to his excellent LFC career.
But if the club had waited longer, and if Pepe had eventually left, and we hadn't signed a good replacement, I think people would be critising BR and the club for not acting sooner.
Hindsight is a great thing. sh*t happened. Can only wish Pepe all the very best with Napoli and in the future, and hope we see him back soon.
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