Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi's decision to leave Liverpool as a youngster worked out for the best.

When he was only 18, he joined the reds and was not even able to get a work permit.

He had seven loan spells in three different countries during that time, before eventually leaving permanently.

“It was my first pre-season training camp with Liverpool when the offer from Union came in," recalls Awoniyi of his Anfield exit, per The Mail.

“Jurgen Klopp told me, 'I think it's good for you, Taiwo, because if a club is really pushing for you then it shows how much they believe in you'.

“Those words really stuck with me. He is someone I really respect a lot. When I was out on loan he would always keep in touch with me.

“And after I scored the winner against Liverpool, he said, 'Hey Taiwo, well played'. So many people from Liverpool texted me after the game saying, 'We are happy for you, we are proud of your journey'. It was a great feeling."