Jurgen Klopp insists he had “no problem” with Emre Can's decision to quit Liverpool for Juventus.
The Germany international rejected the Reds' offer of a new contract before joining the Serie A champions on a free transfer this summer.
Klopp believes the opportunity to live and play in Italy was key to Can ending his four-year stay at Anfield.
“We always had and still have a good relationship,” Klopp told the ECHO.
“I have no problem with a player leaving. The only problem I had for the club was that I wanted to get some money: 'Sign a new contract and then we'll sell you!' But that wasn't really realistic.
“There was never a problem between Emre and I.
“Emre is 24 now. Playing in another country can be a life target: 'I've spent four years in England, now I want to go somewhere else.'
“Why not? He's a top player and he's gone to a top club, it's all good.”
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Can's exit was only officially confirmed in June but Klopp admits that he knew long before the end of last season that the midfielder would be moving on.
The Reds boss continued to pick Can, who made the last of his 167 appearances for the club when he came off the bench in the Champions League final in Kiev.
Liverpool had plenty of time to line up a replacement as they completed a £43million deal for Fabinho.
"We knew early enough that it was pretty likely he would leave and we were able to plan," Klopp added.
"There was nothing to say about it during the season. If I had said to people in March 'Yes, he will leave 100%' then immediately people would have thought he wouldn't give his all any more.
"I knew Emre would give everything. He was desperate to play in the last few games. It was only possible in the last one but not in the best shape because of the injury.
"Now he's in Turin, we're here and it's all good."