France defender Ibrahima Konate has described himself as "deeply saddened" that he was denied a proper farewell to Liverpool supporters as his departure from the club this summer was confirmed.

The 27-year-old centre-back arrived at Anfield from RB Leipzig in 2021 in a deal worth £35 million, signing a five-year contract. Negotiations over an extension ultimately collapsed after the two parties failed to agree on his value and wages.

Konate made 183 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, collecting the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and two League Cups during his time on Merseyside.

A goodbye without a farewell

The Frenchman took to Instagram to thank the club's supporters for "your love, your energy, and your incredible support," but expressed regret at missing his chance to acknowledge them in person during Liverpool's final Premier League fixture of the season against Bournemouth.

"I am deeply saddened that I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to all of you at the last game. At that moment, I didn't know it would be my final time wearing this shirt in front of you," Konate wrote.

He described Anfield as "truly a special place" and said representing the club had been "an honour," adding that he leaves carrying "memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Tributes to teammates and personal loss

Konate also paid tribute to the bonds formed inside the dressing room, acknowledging "trophies, challenges, lifelong friendships, and heartbreaking moments" shared with his teammates — singling out the grief felt over the loss of Diogo Jota as the most painful of all.

He spoke openly about personal hardship as well, revealing that the death of his father this year had marked "one of the hardest periods of my life." Despite that grief, he insisted his commitment to Liverpool never wavered.

"During the toughest moments, I gave everything I had for this badge," he wrote.

In a statement, Liverpool acknowledged that Konate "will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution he made," wishing him well as he moves toward what he called "a new challenge and a new chapter."