Defender Leighanne Robe has vowed Liverpool will always be "close to her heart" despite the fact she is leaving the club this summer.
Robe arrived on Merseyside in 2018 after a spell with Millwall Lionesses and has since made more than 100 appearances for the Reds. An integral part of Liverpool's Championship-winning team, Robe has seen her game time restricted this term and is one the seven players who will seek pastures new upon the imminent expiration of their contracts.
While the 29-year-old admits it has been a "difficult" campaign for her personally, she described her final Liverpool appearance in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United as a "full circle moment", having made her debut against the same opposition five years ago.
READ MORE: Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns named Young Player of the Year at Women's Football Awards
READ MORE: Liverpool goalkeeper Ryler Foster to depart club 18 months after horror car accident
"It has [been an emotional week]," Robe told BBC Radio Merseyside after the game. "Obviously I’ve known for a while it would be coming to an end but it’s really hit home this week and all the emotions are coming out.
"I’m really happy, proud and grateful for the journey I’ve had. I never imagined I’d be here for five years so Liverpool will always be close to my heart.
"It feels quite fitting to have played my last game against Manchester United at Prenton Park as I played United here on my debut - that was the same scoreline as well. It feels full circle, ending on a high being back on the WSL."
It was a spirited display by the Reds in front of a record crowd of 5,778 at Prenton Park, but substitute Lucia Garcia won the day for the visitors with her second half strike. Robe started the game on the bench but received a standing ovation following her introduction in the 75th minute - a moment she says will live long in the memory.
"The fans are amazing and the support has grown over the years," she said. "It’s great to be inspiring young boys and girls. [The reception from the fans] will always stay with me. It was nice to get some minutes in my final game."
Robe is one of a handful of players who has been at Liverpool since the club was relegated in 2019, and she describes helping the Reds' gain promotion to the top flight as one of her career highlights.
"We were all gutted when we got relegated and it was non-negotiable for us to get back into the Women’s Super League," she said. "It was amazing to do that with this club and have a season back in the WSL with them.
"It’s been a little bit difficult with not playing as much this season but I’ve had a run of games lately which has been good. I’ve been able to help the team and get some points on the board which is great.
"They’re a special group here. Players obviously have ups and downs throughout the season and the way we have each other's backs and lift each other up is invaluable."
Reflecting on her future, Robe added: "I’m still deciding. I’m not rushing into anything yet so we will see."
READ NEXT:
Everton manager hails 'unreal' striker as top-six improvement eyed
Everton player ratings against Brighton as Hanna Bennison stunner seals top-six finish
'We'll see' - Brian Sorensen drops Aggie Beever-Jones transfer clue and issues Jess Park update
Liverpool's Missy Bo Kearns left 'speechless' by stunning new mural
'Now we're back' - Leanne Kiernan makes Liverpool return in Aston Villa thriller
