Alexis Mac Allister says Liverpool told him last season that he was not part of their plans for a contract renewal, but the Argentina midfielder still wants to remain at Anfield.
The 27-year-old has about 18 months left on his current deal and says the changes to Liverpool’s manager, sporting director and ownership structure mean the situation could yet change.
Mac Allister was speaking to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, who referred to the support he has received from Liverpool fans.
“First of all, I obviously feel the love of the fans, which is incredible for me. It’s not easy to receive such affection at a club like Liverpool,” he said.
“I’m enjoying all of this, and winning the Premier League with this club is something very special that the fans won’t forget.”
Mac Allister confirmed he had been told last season that Liverpool did not intend to renew his contract “at least for now”.
“Obviously, that was a painful, unpleasant situation,” he said.
However, he added that the news had not significantly affected him because he still had time to remain at the club, which he said was his main desire.
“The reality is that the manager has changed, the sporting director has changed, and there are new investors coming into the club. So I think anything can happen now,” Mac Allister said.
“I’ve always said I’m happy here and I’m really enjoying it, so we’ll wait and see.”
Contract decisions
Mac Allister said Liverpool’s approach was not unusual in European football and pointed to team-mates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, who he said had been in a similar contractual position before subsequently agreeing new deals.
“Yes, this is generally how things are handled here,” he said. “It’s more of a club decision, and generally, that’s how things are done.”
He suggested clubs do not want to lose significant sums or allow players to leave on free transfers, but did not say why Liverpool had treated his case differently. He also did not suggest the club had acted unfairly.
“I don’t judge the decisions they make. I’m just expressing my emotions and feelings, and now we move forward,” he said.
Asked whether Liverpool could change their position before his contract expires, Mac Allister replied: “Yes, yes, of course. I think everything can change. Until the moment the contract expires, anything can change.”
There was no indication that new negotiations had started.
Mac Allister said he was in good form and that Liverpool were again near the top of the table after a difficult previous season. He said the club had always possessed quality players, but that issues beyond individual ability had affected the team’s performances.
“Today I think we’ve recovered somewhat. I think we’re doing well as a team. We know very well what we need to do, so we are in a better situation,” he said.
The midfielder also said he would like to return to Argentine football later in his career, particularly to Argentinos Juniors, who “gave my family everything”, and Boca Juniors, where he believes he has “unfinished business” after a short spell.
He also mentioned Deportivo Mac Allister, his family’s club in La Pampa province, and the possibility of playing alongside his brothers. More broadly, he said he wanted to live in Argentina again after many years in Europe.
In a quick-fire question, he named Julian Alvarez as the Argentina international he would bring to Liverpool.
Mac Allister also said he would have volunteered to take the first penalty in a recent shootout had the manager not selected him.
“I like to take responsibility, and fortunately it worked out well,” he said.
Asked who he would trust with a penalty if his life depended on it, he answered: “Myself.”
