Trent Alexander-Arnold has introduced he’s leaving Liverpool on the finish of the season, with the defender anticipated to affix Actual Madrid.
“That is simply the toughest choice I’ve ever made in my life,” stated Alexander-Arnold in a message on social media.
No contract with the Spanish membership has been signed but, although Alexander-Arnold transferring to Actual on a free switch is known to be inevitable.
The England worldwide got here by the Liverpool academy and has performed 352 instances for the primary group, profitable two Premier League titles – together with this season’s.
Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool win the Champions League, UEFA Tremendous Cup and Membership World Cup trophies in 2019, and in addition lifted two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup and one Neighborhood Protect.
The 26-year-old began this season as one of many three key Liverpool gamers out of contract this summer season, and whereas Liverpool prolonged Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s offers by two years, they are going to lose Alexander-Arnold for no price.
In an interview with LFC TV, Alexander-Arnold admitted there was the potential of staying on the membership, however revealed he wanted a change in his profession.
Requested if staying at Liverpool was ever a risk, Alexander-Arnold stated: “100 per cent, a large risk.
“I’ve received full confidence within the supervisor and the employees and the membership going ahead. It isn’t about me pondering we’re not going to combat for titles or combat for trophies season in, season out as a result of I knew from the primary few moments with the supervisor that he was a winner, he was aiming to go and win issues. And you have seen that this season with the best way that we have performed.
“So, it was by no means about not having confidence in that, it simply boiled right down to what I felt I wanted, and that may be a change.
“That is one thing I have to do on my private journey as an individual, but in addition as a participant and an expert, to go and problem myself elsewhere. I really feel like a problem in a distinct surroundings is one thing I have to do as a participant.”
How Liverpool tried to maintain Alexander-Arnold
Sky Sports activities Information understands that whereas Alexander-Arnold’s choice to depart is a disappointment at Liverpool, the membership felt they did every thing of their energy to make him keep.
Contract talks with the defender had been understood to be a long-term precedence for the Reds, with discussions courting again to final season.
New sporting director Richard Hughes, appointed final summer season, even contacted Alexander-Arnold’s representatives a few new contract earlier than beginning his function, with formal negotiations beginning after Arne Slot had been appointed as the brand new head coach.
Liverpool’s provide to Alexander-Arnold would have made him the best-paid full-back not simply within the Premier League, but in addition in world soccer – however the membership realised {that a} new settlement was not doable.
The ultimate assembly between Hughes and Alexander-Arnold’s camp got here earlier within the spring, after Liverpool had rejected a bid from Actual Madrid within the January switch window.
Trent’s social media message in full…
Alexander-Arnold stated on X to verify his exit: “After 20 years at Liverpool Soccer Membership, now could be the time for me to verify that I shall be leaving on the finish of the season.
“That is simply the toughest choice I’ve ever made in my life.
“I do know a lot of you could have questioned why or been pissed off that I have not spoken about this but, but it surely was all the time my intention to maintain my full deal with the group’s finest pursuits, which was securing No 20.
“This membership has been my complete life – my complete world – for 20 years. From the academy proper by till now, the help and love I’ve felt from everybody inside and outdoors of the membership will stick with me endlessly. I’ll endlessly be in debt to you all.
“However, I’ve by no means identified anything and this choice is about experiencing a brand new problem, taking myself out of my consolation zone and pushing myself each professionally and personally.
“I’ve given my all each single day I have been at this membership, and I hope you’re feeling like I’ve given again to you throughout my time right here.
“From the underside of my coronary heart, I thank all people – my coaches, my managers, my team-mates, the employees and our unbelievable supporters – for the final 20 years.
“I have been blessed sufficient to stay out my desires right here and I’ll by no means, ever take with no consideration the particular moments I have been lucky sufficient to have lived by with you all. My love for this membership won’t ever die.”
