Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers writes open letter to Swansea fans

Brendan Rodgers has insisted he will “never forget” his journey with Swansea City but admitted the Liverpool job was “a unique opportunity” in a letter written to the the Welsh club’s supporters on Thursday.

The 39-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Reds after Fenway Sports Group sacked Kenny Dalglish at the end of the Premier League season.

Rodgers initially rejected an approach by the Liverpool owners before finally agreeing to take over at Anfield last week, ending his two-year tenure at the Liberty stadium.

The new Reds manager said in the South Wales Evening Post: “This is a letter I’d hoped I would not have to write for a long time, and only ever in the event of a unique opportunity.

“The chance to manage one of the world’s great footballing institutions doesn’t come around very often in a manager’s life and, after two approaches, I have decided to take up the professional challenge.

“Before doing so I wanted to leave you my wholehearted thanks and gratitude for a truly memorable period of my life.

“My story at Swansea City began nearly two years ago and my mission above anything else was very clear: to inspire the city.

“My aim for a legacy was simply to have made Swansea City Football Club an attacking and creative team who were enjoyable to watch, and to make the people of Swansea proud of their great club, city and nation.

“In the years ahead, you, the most important people at the club, will decide if I achieved those dreams, but the journey for me has been one I will never forget.

“We created history together to become the first Welsh club in the Premier League, and defied all the odds at the same time, and there is no doubt the club will continue to flourish in the coming years.

“I have made many friends and I want to thank them all for the support my family and I have received. I want to thank the board of Swansea City for their belief and support and in particular the chairman, Huw Jenkins.

“Our working and personal relationship has become strong over the last two years and I’m sad to be leaving such a good man and friend, but I’m also happy knowing that the future of Swansea City couldn’t be in better hands.

“The Supporters’ Trust have really opened my eyes to how a successful club can function and I have no doubts your great work will be replicated throughout football in the coming years.

Rodgers continued: “The players at Swansea I will thank individually, but to them I hope I have helped you become better players and people because you have certainly done that for me.

“And, finally, to the Jack Army. I’m proud to have been your manager and feel truly blessed for the support you have given me on and off the field.

“Your passion both at home and away made me very proud on the touchline.

“I leave knowing I couldn’t have given any more to help your great club succeed.

“The next manager will come in and look to keep the club moving forward and your support for him will be as important as it was for me to ensure continued success.

“Swansea will live in my heart for the rest of my life and one day I would love to return to this great club and city.

“Until that day comes, I wish everyone at Swansea lots of success in the next chapter of your amazing story.

“Brendan (forever a Jack!).”

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