Jurgen Klopp wanted Jordan Henderson to remain at Liverpool but would not block his exit once the midfielder's heart was set on Saudi Arabia.
Former Reds skipper Henderson joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in a deal worth £12m plus add-ons on Thursday.
Klopp answered questions on Henderson in a press conference during the club's pre-season tour of Singapore.
"If he wants to leave, there's no reason why we should throw any rocks or stones in the way," Klopp said.
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"Hendo knew exactly the situation - that we wanted to keep him.