Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold stated he had “never felt so loved” after followers gave him a heartfelt ovation as he lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield on Sunday.
The departing star delivered an emotional farewell after approaching for the second half of Liverpool’s closing recreation of the season, a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
In stark distinction to his earlier residence look – when he was booed following the announcement that he would go away on the finish of his contract – Alexander-Arnold was met with heat applause from the Liverpool devoted.
As the Premier League trophy was introduced, the group saluted the academy graduate, marking the tip of his 20-year journey with the membership forward of a extensively anticipated transfer to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold waved to the group and kissed the badge on his shirt, with supporters within the well-known Kop stand roaring their approval as he hoisted the trophy in entrance of them.
“I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what had happened a few weeks ago,” he advised Sky Sports.
“I needed to play for the membership yet one more time, and (Liverpool supervisor) Arne Slot trusted me to play. To get the reception I acquired means greater than something.
“I’ve performed lots of of video games for the membership, however I’ve by no means felt so beloved and cared for than right now.
“Hand on my coronary heart, I hope at some point the followers will be capable to acknowledge the laborious work and every part I’ve achieved for the staff.
“There wasn’t a day, minute or second that I did not take into consideration the staff. Twenty years is a really very long time, however I’ve beloved each single minute of it – the ups and the downs.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to be part of. I’ll remember this day. It’s very special for me. It goes down as the best day of my life.”
‘I’m very pleased for him’
Slot had criticized Alexander-Arnold on Friday, admitting he was sad with the defender’s effort in coaching earlier this season.
That terse parting shot was interpreted as an indication Slot wouldn’t give Alexander-Arnold the prospect to say goodbye to Liverpool’s followers.
But the Dutchman ultimately determined to play peacemaker and was happy the supporters gave Alexander-Arnold a beneficiant reception.
“They were brilliant again today, as they were throughout the whole season, as they were towards Trent,” he stated.
“I’m very pleased for him and everybody in and across the membership that issues labored out the way in which they did.
“Everybody might see how tough he had it after the sport. That tells you the way laborious it’s to go away a membership like this.
“That’s all we can try to do: to make it so hard for the players to leave.”
Liverpool have been linked with Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong as a substitute for Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds are additionally reported to be pursuing a possible club-record deal for Frimpong’s Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz.
“I just want good players, and ideally, you sign them as soon as you can,” Slot stated.
“There is a lot laborious work already achieved behind the scenes this season to search out out which targets we have now and attempt to signal them.
“Radical modifications you’ll not see as a result of that will be a bit bizarre if we gained the league.
“We need to improve with this team, but if we are able to bring new players in, maybe you have to adapt to their qualities as well. But it will never be drastic.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com