Trent Alexander-Arnold finally explains decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold has finally announced he is leaving Liverpool this summer, with the Englishman set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

There has been widespread speculation over the defender’s future at Anfield for most of the season and he’s now decided to break his silence.

Alexander-Arnold has posted an emotional statement on social media, explaining his wish for a ‘new challenge’ outside of his ‘comfort zone’ after helping Liverpool clinch the Premier League trophy this term.

The 26-year-old is set to join Real Madrid on a five-year deal with a verbal agreement already done, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, while will see him link up with England teammate Jude Bellingham.

‘After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season,’ Alexander-Arnold said.

‘This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life. I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet.

‘But it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20 (the Premier League trophy).’

Alexander-Arnold has played 351 games for Liverpool to date, helping his boyhood team win two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Club World Cup, the Super Cup and the Community Shield.

He was voted Premier League Young Player of the Season in 2020 and has been named in the Champions League Team of the Season twice.

‘This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years,’ Alexander-Arnold added.

‘From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever.

‘I will forever be in debt to you all. But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.

‘I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.

‘From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.

‘I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.’

Addressing the Liverpool supporters directly, Alexander-Arnold continued: ‘There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you.

How have Liverpool fans reacted to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure?

Speculation about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free transfer to Real Madrid has sparked anger among Liverpool fans.

Despite being an incredibly successful player for the club, his exit has led some supporters to label him a traitor, tarnishing his legacy.

‘Horrible,’ @IntoThemReds posted on X in response to Alexander-Arnold’s statement. ‘Hopefully never to be seen a Liverpool shirt ever again.’

Read more about what fans and Liverpool legends have said about his departure here.

‘You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.

‘I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it.

‘I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.

‘I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.

‘It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.’