No-nonsense defender Martin Skrtel was renowned for his shaven head and tattooed arms during his eight years with Liverpool – but looks totally different now

Martin Skrtel in action for Liverpool in 2008 (Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Liverpool hero Martin Skrtel has shocked fans after being spotted sporting a full head of hair.

The no-nonsense defender was renowned for his shaven head and tattooed arms during his eight years in the red half of Merseyside. The former Czech international played for clubs including Fenerbahce and Atalanta after leaving Anfield in 2016 and remains a popular figure among Reds fans.

Along with another Liverpool old boy, Lucas Leiva, Skrtel has been spending time with Jurgen Klopp’s squad during their Asian pre-season tour. And after being interviewed by the club’s in-house TV channel, he left fans surprised with his post-retirement look.

One said: “Skrtel had hair the whole time he was at Liverpool and he chose to shave it.” A second added: “It will take me probably forever to get used to Martin Skrtel with a full head of hair.”

A third wrote: “Martin Skrtel having a full head of hair just doesn’t look right.” A fourth concurred: “Martin Skrtel having hair never ceases to amaze me.”

Meanwhile, a fifth said: “Martin Skrtel with hair just look wrong Another surprised fan asked: “When did Martin Skrtel grow hair?”

Martin Skrtel talking to Jurgen Klopp in Singapore (Image: Getty)

Martin Skrtel being interviewed by Liverpool TV

Skrtel remains incredibly fond of the club. Speaking in an interview ahead of a legends game at Anfield last year, he said: “When I was still playing football, I was so busy and didn’t have the time to come back to visit a game or something.

“But obviously I followed the club, followed the team, I was and still am watching every single game. When you spend almost nine years [there], the club, the team and the city is still in your heart. I missed the club, I missed the place and now finally I’m coming back.

Martin Skrtel was renowned for his no-nonsense style of play during his time at Liverpool (Image: Getty)

“I think we can say we are coming back to [our] second home because my son was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in Liverpool and we spent nine years there. It’s always going to be our second home.”

Klopp’s side continued their pre-season preparations with a 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in Singapore.