Wijnaldum admits Liverpool exit and PSG transfer not working out as planned

Gini Wijnaldum concedes his switch from Liverpool to PSG is "not the situation he wanted".

The Dutchman left Anfield in the summer after he chose not to sign a contract extension on Merseyside.

Wijnaldum was one of Jurgen Klopp's first major signings and had spent five years at Liverpool.

READ MORE: "Of course I'm worried" - Louis van Gaal explains Wijnaldum dilemma

The 30-year-old joined a host of big names who headed to Paris in the summer, with the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos both moving the French giants.

All three joined on free transfers but Wijnaldum has not enjoyed the regular minutes he did at Liverpool.

Under Mauricio Pochettino he is battling for a start against the likes of Marco Verratti, Idrissa Gueye and Ander Herrera.

Gini Wijnaldum has been in and out of the PSG starting XI

Wijnaldum has been in and out of the starting XI and admits things are not going as he planned.

He told NOS : "I can't say I'm completely happy because the situation is not what I wanted.

"But that's football and I'll have to learn to deal with that. I'm a fighter. I have to stay positive and work hard to turn it around."

The former Red added that "it's a primary concern" for a player when they are not a regular, but remained upbeat.

Pochettino, now in his first full season at the Parc des Princes, is under pressure to reestablish PSG's domestic dominance following Lille's title win last term.

Coupled with that the Argentine, who has a fearsome front three at his disposal, is expected to make inroads in the Champions League.

Last season he led the Parisians to the semi-final before they were undone by Manchester City.

Wijnaldum has not yet addressed his situation with Pochettino as he adjusts to a new team dynamic.

"I have played a lot in recent years, was always fit and also did very well," he added.

"This is something different and that takes getting used to. I was really looking forward to the new step and then this happens. It is very difficult."

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The Dutchman was a regular under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool ( Image:

Pool via REUTERS)

The Dutchman made over 40 appearances in each of his five seasons at Liverpool, picking up Premier League and Champions League winners medals.

Klopp said upon his departure that Wijnaldum was one of the smart players he'd worked with.

"It was difficult for all of us because of how much this astonishing person means to the group," said the German.

"He's been a big part of our lives for so long. There is nothing I won't miss about him.

"I will miss the player he is like crazy, highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager's dream."