Harvey Elliott issues touching statement as he explains reason for leaving Liverpool

Harvey Elliott will 'always have Liverpool in his heart' after making his Anfield exit on transfer deadline day. Elliott joins Aston Villa after spending six years with the Reds and has delivered a touching message after sealing the deal.

The 22-year-old completed a loan move to Unai Emery's side , who are obligated to pay £35million for a permanent move next summer, conditional on appearances. Liverpool have been successful in including both a sell-on and buy-back clause in the deal, which they would not have proceeded with without.

Villa landed Elliott after beating off competition from RB Leipzig. The midfielder turned down approaches from West Ham and Fulham earlier in the window.

Elliott's future had been uncertain since the start of the summer after the title-winner accepted he may be better served moving elsewhere to earn greater playing time . The Fulham academy product did not make a Premier League start until Liverpool had been confirmed as champions.

The new Villa signing says the deal was realised as he is 'incredibly ambitious' and needs to be in an environment 'to play and progress as much as possible'. Elliott had played just seven minutes across two games for Liverpool this term.

"When I joined Liverpool in 2019 it was a dream come true for me and my family. As a young child I travelled the world supporting the team as a fan and words will never be able to explain the feeling I had when I pulled on that famous red shirt for the first time as a player.

"Over the course of the last six years I’ve experienced so much and grown from a young 16 year old boy into a man during my time at the club. Growing up I could never have imagined that I’d go on to play 150 games for my boyhood team, winning 7 major trophies and culminating in being part of the squad to have won the Premier League last season with such a special group.

"Thank you to everybody at the club for welcoming me from the very first day I arrived and for looking after me ever since. Thank you to the board and Jurgen Klopp for helping me live my dream of becoming a Liverpool player. To Arne Slot , all of the coaches and staff who have helped me along the way and of course my teammates. It’s been a privilege to play with you all and I feel lucky to have made so many lifelong friends along the way.

"To the incredible Liverpool fans. Thank you for making me one of your own and for always supporting me through both good and tough times. I’ll always cherish the bond we have together. I will always have Liverpool in my heart.

"It’s now time for a new challenge. I am incredibly ambitious and feel that at this stage of my career it’s important to be in an environment where I’m able to have the opportunity to play and progress as much as possible. "Thank you all for everything. See you soon! YNWA"

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