Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that he is leaving the club at the end of the season after the expiration of his contract.
The 26-year-old has confirmed that he is ending his 20 years association with the club he joined at the age of six.
Alexander-Arnold announced his decision in a statement on Social Media on Monday.
He 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.
“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 also sent his message of appreciation to the club’s supporters.
He said: “There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.
“I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I hope they have felt that they have been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.
“I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.”
The 26-year-old has made has made 352 appearances scored 23 goals for Liverpool since making his debut in 2016.
He has played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League victory, scoring three goals, and recording six assists in 31 appearances.
Alexander-Arnold has won two Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, one FA Cup, and two League Cups for his boyhood club.
He has been linked with a move to Real Madrid with reports saying that he will join the Spanish giants in the summer.
Liverpool said Alexander-Arnold will depart with “our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.”
