He arrived for nothing and will depart for nothing. In between, though, James Milner has made an almost invaluable contribution to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.
The news this week Milner will pass up the opportunity to again extend his Anfield career and instead head for pastures new - Brighton and Hove Albion would appear his next destination - will further cut the ties to the Reds' all-conquering team of three years ago.
That Klopp has always maintained there will be a place for Milner as long as he remains in charge underlines the esteem with which the Liverpool boss holds the midfielder. Similar to Roberto Firmino - another to leave at the end of the season - Milner was a gift inherited by Klopp from his predecessor Brendan Rodgers and the Reds' recruitment team, having been signed on a free transfer from Manchester City a few months before the German took control in October 2015.
