Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is quitting Liverpool for a free move to Real Madrid, reuniting with his best friend Jude Bellingham, and risking tense Anfield Farewell

Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is quitting Liverpool for a free move to Real Madrid, reuniting with his best friend Jude Bellingham, and risking tense Anfield Farewell

Trent Alexander-Arnold has reached a decision and will depart Liverpool this summer after spending over twenty years with his childhood team.

The Reds’ vice-captain is set to join Real Madrid and pledge his future to the current champions of Spain and Europe on a long-term contract.

On social media, Alexander-Arnold shared: “After 20 years with Liverpool Football Club, I now confirm I’ll leave at this season’s end. This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season

“I understand many have wondered why or felt upset I hadn’t spoken sooner, but I always wanted to stay fully focused on what mattered – chasing No.20.

“This club has meant everything to me – my whole world – for the past 20 years. From the Academy to today, the love and support I’ve received will always stay with me. I’ll be forever grateful.

“Still, I’ve never known anything else and this choice is about seeking something new, stepping outside my comfort zone, and growing professionally and personally.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed his exit from Liverpool at the season’s end

The full-back will leave on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with the Reds

The right-back will leave on a free transfer after contract negotiations failed to progress

Alexander-Arnold will reunite with England teammate Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid

“I’ve given everything every day I’ve worn this shirt, and I hope you feel I’ve given something back. Thank you – coaches, managers, teammates, staff, and our amazing fans – for these 20 years.

“I’ve been lucky enough to live my dream here and I’ll never forget the amazing moments I’ve shared with you all. My love for Liverpool will never fade.”

Alexander-Arnold will link-up with England team-mate Jude Bellingham (right) at Real Madrid

A new adventure could be what he needs now

How can you walk away from the club you’ve always loved?

Liverpool said in a statement: “The 26-year-old will end his 20-year relationship with the Reds, having decided to leave when his contract expires on June 30, 2025.

“Alexander-Arnold leaves with our sincere thanks and admiration for all he contributed during this successful period.”

This ends months of speculation surrounding his future, which he never addressed publicly out of respect for Liverpool and to avoid distractions.Alexander-Arnold has won every trophy possible during his time with the Merseyside giants

Mail Sport first reported back in December that Real Madrid felt confident of signing Alexander-Arnold – and little has changed since then.

Sources suggest the deal is not yet officially signed but is expected soon, with the England defender set to join his good friend Jude Bellingham in Spain.

Despite speculation, fans have supported Alexander-Arnold throughout. It remains to be seen how Anfield reacts Sunday when Liverpool take on Arsenal in his second-last home match.

Alexander-Arnold has lifted every major trophy with the Merseyside club during his timeAlexander-Arnold played in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday afternoon – before announcing his exit from the Merseyside giants early on Monday morning

He featured in Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday – before announcing his departure early Monday

One angry Liverpool fan burned his Alexander-Arnold jersey when Madrid rumors spread in March

Alexander-Arnold and Instagram model girlfriend Estelle Behnke will relocate to Madrid

A Liverpool fan vented his frustration with Trent Alexander-Arnold by burning one of his shirts

He was free to negotiate with Madrid and other foreign sides from January 1 after letting his deal run out.

New sporting director Richard Hughes first called his camp, with a final offer to make him the Premier League’s best-paid full-back.The clip went viral on social media back in March

Liverpool are convinced they made every possible effort to convince him to remain.

Madrid made an early attempt to sign him in January, offering around £20 million, but Liverpool quickly rejected that proposal.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Instagram model girlfriend Estelle Behnke will head to Madrid

The Spanish club hopes to finalize the move before the FIFA Club World Cup in June. With a ten-day transfer window, they’ll likely need compensation and Liverpool’s cooperation, which isn’t guaranteed.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to step down this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso likely to replace him.

Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool aged six and has featured 352 times for the Reds. He serves as vice-captain and has won all major trophies – Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.