The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the final of last month’s World Cup in New York, but he was unable to prevent his nation from losing 1-0 to Spain, and it proved to be the final match of his international career.

"I ‌leave with the ⁠peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my ‌teammates — moments we once only dreamed of." ​

The Reds will pay a basic £106m for the France international and up to £17m in potential add-ons.