Well, I think we should get some things straight here... I think everyone understands that Markovic has "every right to run his contract down". I think most even can relate to his choice to earn good money. But guess what, that is not the point. The criticism from fans can probably be summed up in one tiny word: Respect. Or more correctly, lack of. Many fans ask what are Markovic ambitions as a footballer. What is the motivation of any top player? Of course money may be an important part. But as fans, we also expect a personal drive to become a good player as possible. A personal drive to reach as far as possible. A personal drive to follow that childhood dream to be a football star. A personal drive to be popular among fans. A personal drive to reach your goals in life. A true desire to help your club. The things that create, well, respect... And then you have the wish and hunger for the money. Understandable, yes. Create respect? Not so much. Add a club like Liverpool, and you can include factors like passion, history, pride, trophies, ambitions and honor. Then you can think about Markovic again. Is it ridiculous to expect such things from a Liverpool player? From someone who was hailed as one of "the next big things" in football? We shouldn't blame Markovic? Really? Thing is, we don't blame him for getting rich. Who wouldn't. But he is to blame for all those other things. And that is a very important difference... Because every single player who wears a Liverpool shirt, is expected to have the ambitions, qualities and personal attributes I mentioned above. That personal drive, if you will. And yes, we should also blame those who unfortunately brought Markovic to the club. But I think they already know it.Markovic has every right to run his contract down.
Just like Bogdan did. Just like every other mediocre player on massive money will.
It’s not his fault he’s not good enough but to expect him to hand his lottery ticket back because it doesn’t benefit us as a club is ridiculous.
I mean, we actually have players at the club who are on several times what markovic is on who don’t even know how to run anymore.
Markovic was just not good enough. He’s a championship player. I won’t miss him. But I don’t blame him either.
Do we understand Markovic choices? Yes, of course. Do we respect him? No, not at all. You get what you give. Including respect. And that is exactly why we blame him. Because this is Liverpool Football Club. At this beautiful family and professional organisation, there are values more important than money. Values that are built on, and creates, that tiny but so important one factor: Respect. That should be worth more than any lottery ticket. And I am sure the portuguese knows it, whether he puts in a tackle at the academy training ground, or passes fans on the streets of the city.
We are Liverpool. Markovic is not. So he will never have our respect. At least not mine.