Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t want a press convention. Just a digicam, a deep breath and 20 years of reminiscences weighing on his voice.
“After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club,” he stated slowly, “I will be leaving at the end of the season.”
And similar to that, one in all Anfield’s personal confirmed the tip of an period.
The England worldwide, who rose from academy prodigy to Champions League winner, didn’t identify his subsequent vacation spot. But the whispers have lengthy grown right into a roar – Real Madrid, on a free switch.
Born in West Derby, a stone’s throw from Anfield, Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool’s academy at age 6.
He grew up carrying purple, respiration the Kop’s songs, and dreaming large – desires he would fulfill by profitable each main trophy out there: Premier League (twice), Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
He referred to as the choice to go away “easily the hardest I’ve ever made.”
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years,” wrote the 26-year-old in a heartfelt farewell posted throughout his social media. “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.”
No. 66, at all times in movement
Since debuting in 2016, Alexander-Arnold revolutionized the precise again function. His pinpoint passes, surging runs and playmaking instincts usually made him Liverpool’s most inventive outlet. He turned as comfy dictating play as he was defending.
His signature second? A cheeky, rapidly taken nook kick within the 2019 Champions League semifinal towards Barcelona – an help that sealed one of many biggest comebacks in event historical past.
That second alone cemented his legend on Merseyside.
While stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk not too long ago penned extensions, Alexander-Arnold held again. His contract runs out subsequent June. Some followers are upset he’s leaving on a free, denying the membership a switch payment.
“I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people … it’s something you don’t want to do,” he instructed Liverpool’s official web site. “But I’ve had to make a decision for me.”
He stayed silent all through the season, decided to not distract from Liverpool’s chase for his or her twentieth top-flight title – a objective they achieved simply days earlier than his announcement, drawing degree with Manchester United.
Madrid calling
If the Madrid transfer materializes, Alexander-Arnold would be a part of fellow England star Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe – who arrived final June from Paris Saint-Germain – in a Galacticos reboot on the Santiago Bernabeu.
He’d comply with a path as soon as taken by Steve McManaman, Michael Owen and Xabi Alonso – all Reds turned Blancos.
FIFA’s interim rule change might even enable Alexander-Arnold to function for Madrid within the newly expanded Club World Cup this June, earlier than his Liverpool contract formally expires on June 30, 2025.
Squad shift at Anfield
Liverpool confirmed the timing of his departure, including: “He will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.”
New supervisor Arne Slot has Conor Bradley ready within the wings however is predicted to bolster the precise again place in the summertime window.
“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,” Alexander-Arnold wrote. “My love for this club will never die.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com