Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted he did not Simon Mignolet to leave for Club Brugge.

The goalkeeper wrapped up a move home to Belgium today but the Reds boss could not hide his respect for the 31-year-old.

“If you were to ask me to write a list of the most standout professionals I've worked with in the game – in a career of well over 30 years – Simon Mignolet would be competing for the number one spot," Klopp told the club's official website.

“The truth is I don't want Simon to leave – why would I? He's a 'keeper good enough to start for all the teams in the Premier League.

“But this is a little like the situation we faced with Lucas Leiva a few seasons ago now. Sometimes you have someone whose contribution to the club means you have to consider their welfare also. Simon is such a person.

“The service he has given this club during his time here means I cannot ignore an opportunity for him that will impact so positively on his future. I think what he has done for LFC means he earns the right to do something that helps him in this moment.

“I will always be grateful for everything Simon has done for me and the staff while we have been here and I know his teammates will miss him also.

“But we say farewell and good luck with a host of happy memories and we tell him the best seats in the house are available to him and his family whenever they want to come back to Anfield in the future."