Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, with the 26-year-old right-back set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. The defender, who joined Liverpool's academy at age six, made the emotional announcement, calling it the hardest decision of his life.
In a statement, Alexander-Arnold said: '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.' He added that he wanted to keep the focus on the team's pursuit of the Premier League title, which Liverpool have now secured.
During his two-decade association with the club, Alexander-Arnold won two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup. He became the youngest player to start in successive Champions League finals, helping Liverpool beat Tottenham in 2019, and set a Premier League record for assists by a defender with 13 in the 2019-20 campaign.
Alexander-Arnold said the decision was about experiencing a new challenge abroad. He will join England teammate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso tipped as the next manager at the Bernabeu following Carlo Ancelotti's expected departure.
