Javier Manquillo pays tribute to Liverpool despite flop loan spell on Merseyside

Javier Manquillo has thanked Liverpool staff and fans for their support after his ill-fated loan spell at Anfield last season. Manquillo, 21, signed for the Reds on a two-year loan deal from Atletico Madrid last summer and was Brendan Rodgers' first choice option at right back for the opening four months of the 2014-15 season.

But as the Liverpool manager began to tinker with his formation, the Spain Under-21 international lost his place in the first team and would start in just two more games following the turn of the year.

The arrival of Nathaniel Clyne on Merseyside this summer ended any hopes of him being handed another chance ahead of the new campaign and his loan spell was cancelled.

Manquillo has since joined Marseille on loan but paid tribute to the Premier League side, tweeting: "Grateful to Liverpool and fans for the great experience lived that will help me in the future."

Atletico issued a statement in June confirming the end of Manuqillo's spell on Merseyside, citing their desire for him to gain opportunities elsewhere as reason for the decision, having been unimpressed with Liverpool's use of the youngster.

A statement on Atletico's website at the time read: "Javier Manquillo will not fulfil his second season on loan with Liverpool.

"The player and Atletico Madrid decided that the player would go to Anfield for two seasons to enjoy the necessary minutes to continue growing football-wise.

"However, in this first season with the Reds, the defender has not had all the minutes he and our club consider necessary for the purpose of accumulating experiences in his sports growth."

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