Jones bids farewell to Liverpool after 16 years: A heartfelt goodbye

Sixteen years after walking through the doors as a wide‑eyed kid, Jones has closed the chapter on his Liverpool story and signed for Inter Milan in a £30 million move reported by Sky Sports.

The fee underlines Inter’s belief in him. The emotion in his farewell shows what he leaves behind.

“I came here as a kid… I’m leaving as a man”

Jones chose Instagram to say goodbye, and the message read like a love letter to the club that shaped him.

“After 16 years, it’s time to say goodbye,” he wrote. “I came here as a kid with a dream of playing for Liverpool, and I’ve been lucky enough to actually live that dream. This club is all I’ve ever known. I came here as a kid and I’m leaving as a man with a family of my own, which probably puts into perspective just how much of my life I’ve spent here.”

Those years were packed. Jones clocked 228 senior appearances in red, scored 22 goals and collected six major trophies, including two Premier League titles. His medal haul tells one story. His message told another – of a life built in parallel with a career.

“So much has happened during my time here, both on and off the pitch,” he continued. “I’ve made my debut, won trophies, made memories I’ll never forget, and I’ve become a dad. Having my daughter while I’ve been here makes it even more special, because Liverpool isn’t just part of my story anymore, it’s part of my family’s story too.”

Roots in the academy, thanks all around

Jones made a point of going back to where it all started – the academy staff who first took a chance on him.

“I want to thank everyone in the academy who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. There are people here who have known me since I was a kid and literally watched me grow up.”

The final year was not the fairytale ending. A frustrating last 12 months under former manager Arne Slot limited his impact and hinted that a break might be coming. Yet there was no bitterness in his words, only gratitude for those who pushed him along the way.

“Thank you to every manager and coach I’ve worked with for trusting me, giving me opportunities, and always pushing me to become better,” he said.

From there, he widened the lens. Not just the faces on the touchline, but the people who keep a club of Liverpool’s size moving every day.

“A massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes – the physios, medical team, kit staff, chefs, analysts, security, media team, grounds staff, and everyone else who makes this place what it is.”

Dressing room bonds and a final salute to the fans

Jones has shared a dressing room with some of the era’s standout players, and he made sure to acknowledge the bonds built in that space.

“To all the lads I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years, thank you. I’ve played with some unbelievable players and made friendships that I know I’ll have for life.”

Then came the part every departing player knows matters most – the message to the stands.

“Thank you to the fans that stuck by me and always supported me. I will always be one of you.”

The move to Inter Milan marks a clean break and a new league, but Jones framed it as the next step, not an escape.

“Now it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter for me and my family, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. But Liverpool will always be a massive part of me. I came here as a kid with a dream, and I’m leaving having lived it.”

He signed off with one last nod to everyone who touched his 16-year journey and the three letters that define the club’s identity.

“So genuinely, to everyone who has played any part in my 16 years here, thank you. I’ll never forget it. YNWA.”

Liverpool loses a homegrown presence. Inter Milan gains a player forged in one of the game’s most demanding environments. The next chapter starts in Milan – but part of Jones will always walk out at Anfield.