Liverpool flop looks unrecognisable after retiring aged 34 to become coach

28 January 2023 , 16:38

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Liverpool fans won't have too many strong memories of Alberto Aquilani, but one thing they will remember him for is his flowing locks.

Those are nowhere to be seen these days, though, and Reds fans could be forgiven for not recognising the ex-midfielder. Aquilani is still just 38, but hung up his boots aged 34 to take the next step in his career and is already making strides in the coaching world.

The Italian international moved to Anfield in 2009 as they looked to replace Xabi Alonso when the Spaniard moved to Real Madrid. Injuries and managerial changes meant he was never able to fulfil his potential in England, though, and he will hope for a less frustrating spell in the dugout.

Aquilani spent three years at Fiorentina after eventually leaving Liverpool in 2012. It is at the Tuscan club where his first foray into management has begun as well, with the former Italy international now in charge of their Primavera under-19 side.

Fiorentina Primavera sit second in the age group table this term, while last season they won the Coppa Italia Primavera. Milan, SPAL and Roma were brushed aside in the earlier rounds before Atalanta were seen off 1-0 in the final.

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Looking at Aquilani on the sidelines, he could be confused for any budding young manager. His long hair was the envy of many during his playing career, but he now sports a closer-cropped look, with a beard hiding what was once a baby face well into his twenties.

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Alberto Aquilani flattered to deceive at Liverpool (Jed Leicester/Getty Images)

After joining Liverpool during Rafa Benitez's tenure, Aquilani found himself surplus to requirements under Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish. Reflecting on his stint in 2021, the former Roma star told The Echo about his regrets from his time on Merseyside.

"I was on a big contract at Liverpool," he said. "Maybe I could have stayed and not played next year. No problem.

"But I’d never do that there. I tried to find a solution that was good for me and for the club. Always.

“Some players have a big contract and they stay and just run around the training pitch but for me, that was no good. [Transfer chief Damien] Comolli and the people who were working there can tell you that.

Aquilani's flowing locks are long gone (Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)

“Milan then came in and don’t pay too much. No problem, I go because I want to play. It’s frustrating because now they remember me as a bad player.

“They spent a lot of money but I didn’t do too much. It’s frustrating but it’s the reality and I can do nothing about it.”

Aquilani scored just twice for Liverpool, once against Portsmouth in the Premier League and once against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League. The latter helped force extra-time in the semi-final, only for the Reds to ultimately go out on away goals.

His Coppa Italia Primavera win in 2022 was a second in as many years in Florence. He has provided a path to the first team for his players, with one - midfielder Alessandro Bianco - earning minutes this season in Serie A and the Europa Conference League.