Trent Alexander-Arnold received a rousing and emotional send-off at Anfield on Sunday, as he made his final Liverpool appearance before an expected move to Real Madrid. The 26-year-old vice-captain, who has spent two decades at his boyhood club, broke down in tears at the final whistle in what he described as "the best day of my life."
Alexander-Arnold’s halftime introduction during Liverpool's final Premier League fixture was met with thunderous applause, a stark contrast to the boos he faced earlier this month after confirming he would leave the club at the end of the season.
The earlier reaction shocked many, including former manager Jürgen Klopp the man who handed Alexander-Arnold his debut in 2016 who admitted he turned off his TV in disbelief. Arnold gave everything in his final outing. He nearly capped it with a trademark assist, but Darwin Núñez failed to finish the chance.
Trent's bond with the club and its fans was evident. As he received his Premier League winners' medal, the Kop once again rose to its feet. He raised his arms, thumped the Liverpool badge on his chest, and soaked in the adoration of a club he has served with heart and passion.
“The reception I got means the world to me,” said Alexander-Arnold, visibly moved. “I’ve played hundreds of games, but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for. From the bottom of my heart, I hope one day the fans will recognise what I did for this team.”
Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool career
The 26-year-old concluded his time at Liverpool with impressive statistics: 354 appearances, 23 goals, and 86 assists. Over his career at the club, he created 677 chances in 28,167 minutes on the field. Arnold brought home two Premier League trophies, a Champions League, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup, not to mention the FIFA and UEFA Super Cups and an FA Community Shield.
