Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season amidst rumours of him moving to Real Madrid.
In recent weeks, reports have surfaced indicating that Arnold has reached an agreement to join the La Liga giants as his current contract with the English Premier League club expires this June.
The England international was amongst three key players for the Reds, alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, whose contracts were set to expire when the 2024/25 season ends. Van Dijk and Salah have since extended their contracts.
Alexander-Arnold, who came through the Reds' academy, played a significant role in the team securing two English Premier League titles, including this season's, as well as the Champions League and several other major trophies.
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Now, Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool have come to an agreement that the 26-year-old will part ways with the club once his contract ends, and it remains uncertain whether he will sign with Madrid for the next season.
"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," 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.
"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," he explained.
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"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," he added.
"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."
