Trent Alexander-Arnold felt he needed a “new challenge” as he prepares to leave Liverpool.
The full-back, who has provided more Premier League assists than any other defender in the competition’s history, will be leaving the Reds at the end of the season.
While speculation has mounted for months over Alexander-Arnold’s future, with a free transfer to Real Madrid seemingly likely, the news was only confirmed on Monday.
Alexander-Arnold explained he is ready for a “change”, after achieving everything he set out to achieve with Liverpool since his breakthrough into the first team in 2016.
“I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it,” said the 26-year-old.
“I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, [and] achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.
“Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.”
Alexander-Arnold now has just three games left as a Liverpool player, with Arne Slot’s team – who lost 3-1 to Chelsea on Sunday – having already secured the Premier League title.
His final game at Anfield as a Reds player will come when Liverpool take on Crystal Palace to close out their season.
“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,” he added.
“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 has 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.
“It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.”
Leighton Baines (85) is the only player to have more goal contributions among defenders in the Premier League than Alexander-Arnold (82).
Liverpool added in their statement that Alexander-Arnold would depart with their gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.
