Before joining Bayern Munich in 2013 and winning seven Bundesliga titles and the Champions League once again in 2020, he earned four La Liga titles and the Champions League at Barcelona, where he rose through the academy.

Thiago Alcantara came up through the academy at Barcelona and went on to play for Bayern Munich

After he was named to the Champions League XI of the year and won two European Cups, Liverpool purchased the midfield star for a mere £20 million.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard’s four years at Anfield were hindered by injury.

In his first three seasons, Thiago managed 97 appearances but the last campaign was a nightmare, playing just four minutes as injuries left him sidelined.

It led to an emotional farewell at the end of last season at Liverpool where he joined Jurgen Klopp and Joel Matip in departing.

Speaking about the playmaker, Klopp gave a poignant summary of Thiago’s career at Anfield, where he won the FA Cup in 2022.

The German coach said: “Before he even came to Liverpool I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play.

“Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us.

“I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he got here – what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could you not? – and I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us.

“From that point on I got to see him up close and all I can say is ‘Wow’. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities.

“I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.”

Klopp gave a touching message on Thiago’s career