Kuyt move not influenced by Rodgers’ arrival

Dirk Kuyt insisted the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager had nothing to do with his decision to join Fenerbahce.

The Turkish side announced the signing of the Holland striker on a three-year contract, ending his six-year spell on Merseyside yesterday. The 31-year-old found first-team starts limited under Kenny Dalglish last season, and even the arrival of Rodgers could not stop him leaving.

“After six years I am ready for a new challenge,” Kuyt said.

“[The club and supporters] I will always carry in my heart. The appointment of the new coach has nothing to do with it. But when Fenerbahce came to me and made their ambitions known, from the first moment I was sold. They give me the confidence that I lost.”

Kuyt, who had a year to run on his Anfield contract, had been expected to leave Merseyside this summer after a season in which he scored just two Premier League goals.

Liverpool paid tribute to Kuyt’s contribution: “Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to wish Dirk all the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the club.”