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For Daniel Sturridge, it was the perfect farewell.

His last act as a Liverpool striker was to plant a kiss on the Champions League trophy.

Finally, he had something tangible to show for his Anfield career.

It had long since been clear that Sturridge would move on following the end of his contract this summer. A parting of the ways made sense for all parties.

Liverpool couldn't justify offering a lucrative new deal to a squad player earning £120,000 per week, while the time was right for Sturridge to pursue a greater role elsewhere.

There are no hard feelings on either side. Jurgen Klopp's tribute to the 29-year-old on Tuesday was heartfelt.

Sturridge was loved by the Kop and is guaranteed the warmest of receptions when he returns to Anfield in the future.

His highlights reel is exceptional with moments of awe-inspiring brilliance. He was the most naturally gifted finisher of his generation.

But amidst all the plaudits and well-wishes heading in his direction, there has to be a heavy sense of regret at potential going unfulfilled.

A return of 67 goals in 160 appearances spanning six-and-a-half years simply doesn't do him justice. He sits 34th in the club's all-time scoring list.

A succession of injuries cruelly took their toll after a dazzling start to life at Anfield following his £12million move from Chelsea in January 2013.

Sturridge became the first Liverpool player to net in his first three games for the club since Ray Kennedy in 1974.

His partnership with Luis Suarez in 2013/14 was the most potent in Europe as they fired the Reds agonisingly close to the Premier League crown.

Sturridge's 24-goal haul that season meant that in the summer of 2014 he boasted 35 goals in 49 games for the Reds. He had the world at his feet.

When Suarez left for Barcelona, the stage was set for Sturridge to become the main man but that's when his problems started.

In the first 100 matches Liverpool played in all competitions after Suarez left, Sturridge started just 18 of them.

Two thigh injuries were followed by surgery in America on his troublesome hip. As Brendan Rodgers' reign went off the rails, Sturridge was largely a passenger.

Rodgers bemoaned Sturridge's reluctance to train or play unless he was 100%. The manager grew frustrated that he sat out so many sessions at Melwood.

The accusations about lacking mental toughness hurt Sturridge and was a source of friction.

“To say a player doesn't want to play is the biggest disrespect you can say to any footballer. It's astonishing,” he said.

“Nobody will understand what it means to me to play football. It hurts not to play. A lot of things people say about me isn't the truth.”

The debate about how much his repeated absences were down to either a fragile body or mind rumbled on after Klopp took over.

After Sturridge repeatedly broke down, the German spoke about him needing to “learn what is serious pain and what is only pain” and ordered him to undergo a “mini pre-season” before considering him for selection.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

When he did play, Sturridge opened Klopp's eyes to his sheer quality. He showed why he was worth persevering with. He may have been high maintenance but he was also one of the few genuine match-winners in the squad Klopp inherited.

Sturridge enjoyed a strong end to 2015/16, culminating in his majestic finish with the outside of his left boot in the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla in Basel.

With Roberto Firmino firmly establishing himself as the focal point of the Liverpool attack, the Reds' reliance on Sturridge effectively ended. He found his opportunities increasingly limited.

Sturridge watched from afar as Klopp's men reached the Champions League final last season. He had jumped at the chance to join West Brom on loan in the second half of the campaign but a hamstring injury meant he couldn't save them from relegation.

(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

His Liverpool career looked destined to end with a whimper. Yet to his credit, he rallied and vowed to force his way back into Klopp's plans. That time away from Anfield really opened his eyes to what was in serious danger of slipping away.

Sturridge worked tirelessly last summer to get himself in shape. During pre-season he looked quicker, leaner, stronger and hungrier than he had done for years. The manager was suitably impressed.

"Who doubts Daniel Sturridge when he's fit? I don't,” said Klopp.

He scored after coming off the bench on the opening day of this season against West Brom.

There was also a key contribution to this Champions League run as he nodded home the opener in the group stage win over Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield. He had waited a long time for his first start for the Reds in Europe's elite club competition.

Another goal followed against Chelsea in the League Cup before his stunning late equaliser in the Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in September.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

That was a big moment for this Liverpool side. It fuelled the belief that they could go anywhere and get a result.

It proved to be Sturridge's last goal for the Reds but his contribution extended right the way through until Madrid on Saturday night.

He may only have made eight starts but he came off the bench on 19 occasions and was an unused sub 22 times. Crucially, he stayed fit, only failing to make the matchday squad on four occasions.

Liverpool saw a different side to Sturridge as he completely bought into Klopp's team ethic.

Despite his lack of game time, his attitude was spot on and increasingly he became a leader in the dressing room. He looked out for youngsters like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Rhian Brewster – always providing support and advice to them.

After all the ups and downs, Sturridge deserved to be part of that triumph in Madrid. He leaves with his head held high as a European Cup winner.

It wasn't the Liverpool career it promised to be but he leaves behind some truly special memories.