Liverpool`s long-serving defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, announced on Monday that he will be leaving the English club after a remarkable 20-year association. Multiple reports suggest the right-back is expected to join Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer of 2025. Alexander-Arnold`s decision, which many anticipated, was communicated through an emotional video posted on his social media channels.
In his heartfelt message, Alexander-Arnold stated: “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. 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.”
He continued, reflecting on his time at Anfield: “This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. 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.”
Alexander-Arnold concluded his message by expressing gratitude: “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.”
Liverpool Football Club subsequently confirmed the 26-year-old`s impending departure. The club`s statement read: “The 26-year-old will bring his two-decade-long association with the Reds to an end having made the decision to depart Anfield once his deal ceases on June 30, 2025. Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.”
Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool`s Academy at the age of six, rising through the ranks to make his senior debut in 2016. During his time with the club, he has made 352 appearances, netted 23 goals, and secured eight major honours. These include the Premier League title this season and the UEFA Champions League title in the 2018-19 season, a highlight in the club`s illustrious history. He is widely anticipated to complete a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 upon the expiry of his current contract with Liverpool on June 30.
