Georginio Wijnaldum has claimed he ‘didn’t feel wanted’ at Liverpool prior to his Paris Saint-Germain transfer in the Dutchman’s latest criticism of his former club.
Wijnaldum, who spent five years at Anfield following his £25million move from Newcastle in 2016, turned down the offer of a new contract and subsequently joined PSG this summer on a free transfer.
The Netherlands star previously opened up about how he was affected by trolls on social media during his last two years at Anfield, claiming he felt ‘unappreciated’ by a section of Reds fans.
And he has sparked more controversy over his departure by claiming Liverpool didn’t make him feel wanted enough during their contract negotiations.
“You follow your feeling,” the 30-year-old told L’Equipe.
“Several months ago, I had expressed the desire to stay in Liverpool but, without going into details, Liverpool did not give me the feeling of wanting to keep me.
“In these cases, we have to move forward.”
Wijnaldum’s previous comments about social media drew criticism from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who accused the Dutchman of making excuses for his Anfield exit.
Carragher, however, has played down his comments and insisted Wijnaldum’s decision to leave is simply because he wanted more money.
“I love Gini but this is not right,” the former centre-back wrote on Twitter.
“Social media is a circus and every club has clowns. Turn off your notifications and if it’s bothering you that much delete the app!
“He wanted more money the club said no, that’s football!”
Barcelona looked to be the destination for Wijnaldum but PSG swooped in at the 11th hour with a better contract offer.
And the Dutchman has confirmed this, insisting the French giants’ gave him an offer he simply couldn’t refuse at the Parc des Princes.
“I had a good idea to commit to Barca,” added the Netherlands international. “But the negotiations lasted a very long time and Paris came in.
“Unlike six years earlier, the club showed me their desire to recruit me. It was time for me to have something else.”
Wijnaldum has featured in four of PSG’s five Ligue 1 matches so far this season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won all five league outings and are already four points clear of second-placed Angers at the top of the table.
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