Jones bids farewell to Liverpool after 16 years
Sixteen years after walking through the doors at Liverpool as a wide‑eyed kid, Jones has closed the chapter. The midfielder has completed a £30 million move to Inter Milan, according to Sky Sports, drawing a firm line under a boyhood dream that became his entire adult life.
He chose to say goodbye in his own words. No press conference, no staged sit‑down. Just a long, emotional message on Instagram to the supporters who watched him grow.
“After 16 years, it’s time to say goodbye,” he wrote. “I came here as a kid with a dream of playing for Liverpool, and I’ve been lucky enough to actually live that dream. This club is all I’ve ever known. I came here as a kid and I’m leaving as a man with a family of my own, which probably puts into perspective just how much of my life I’ve spent here.”
Those years are etched into the numbers. Jones leaves with 228 senior appearances, 22 goals and six major trophies to his name, including two Premier League titles. The medals tell one story. His message told another.
He spoke about a life lived inside a football club. The debut. The trophies. The memories that blurred the line between work and identity. “So much has happened during my time here, both on and off the pitch. I’ve made my debut, won trophies, made memories I’ll never forget, and I’ve become a dad,” he continued.
Having his daughter while still at Liverpool clearly changed the way he saw the place.
“Having my daughter while I’ve been here makes it even more special, because Liverpool isn’t just part of my story anymore, it’s part of my family’s story too. I want to thank everyone in the academy who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. There are people here who have known me since I was a kid and literally watched me grow up.”
The final year was not the fairytale ending. Under former manager Arne Slot, opportunities were limited and frustration grew, but there was no bitterness in his farewell. Instead, he turned back to the people who shaped him.
“Thank you to every manager and coach I’ve worked with for trusting me, giving me opportunities, and always pushing me to become better,” he wrote. Then he widened the lens, shining a light on the unseen work that keeps a club of Liverpool’s size moving.
“A massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes – the physios, medical team, kit staff, chefs, analysts, security, media team, grounds staff, and everyone else who makes this place what it is.”
The dressing room, as always, sat at the heart of it. “To all the lads I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years, thank you. I’ve played with some unbelievable players and made friendships that I know I’ll have for life.”
The supporters, he knew, would be reading every line.
“Thank you to the fans that stuck by me and always supported me. I will always be one of you.”
That was the pivot. From nostalgia to what comes next.
“Now it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter for me and my family, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. But Liverpool will always be a massive part of me. I came here as a kid with a dream, and I’m leaving having lived it. So genuinely, to everyone who has played any part in my 16 years here, thank you. I’ll never forget it. YNWA.”
Liverpool lose a homegrown midfielder who grew up under their badge. Inter Milan gain a 28-year-old with title-winning experience and a point to prove.
For Jones, the dream he chased as a boy has been fulfilled. The next one starts in Milan.
