Trent Alexander-Arnold has broken his silence on his Liverpool exit at his Real Madrid unveiling, with the England international saying he only had eyes for Los Blancos
15:53, 12 Jun 2025
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool acknowledges the fans, as he makes his final appearance for the team during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold addressed his Liverpool exit(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has expressed his gratitude to Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, during his unveiling at Real Madrid, following his departure from Anfield.
The 26-year-old made the switch to the Spanish capital earlier this month after Real Madrid paid £10m to release him from his Liverpool contract a month early, enabling him to play in the Club World Cup for Los Blancos, kicking off this Sunday in the United States.
Alexander-Arnold's move sparked a divide among Liverpool's fanbase and he was met with boos when he came on as a substitute in last month's 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
During his unveiling in Madrid, the England star praised his childhood club for their handling of his end-of-season exit, revealing supportive discussions with Boston-based FSG, who were present in Merseyside to witness Arne Slot's team clinch the Premier League title on May 25.
"I don't think wanting to win the Ballon d'Or influenced my decision to come here at all to be honest," said Alexander-Arnold. "You're joining a team like this, with the team-mates that I've got, it's going to be hard to win it with these superstars, but it's exciting.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold was unveiled by Real Madrid
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"These are the kind of players I want to play with, I've admired these, played against them, I know how good they are, so to be a part of this team, playing with them rather than against them will be good.
"Such a contrast of emotions, of course, different ends of the scale. Being at Liverpool for so long and experiencing everything what I did and what I had was incredible and knowing it was coming to an end and it was always going to be emotional for me.
"But I went out in a way I was happy about, the send-off I got, the way the club treated me, the way the fans were as well was outstanding, I couldn't say a bad word.
"Speaking to the players, the manager, the owners, they were all incredible as well and showed amazing support and were a huge help.
"We had an amazing conversation in the last couple of days with the owners, they were very warm and welcoming and thanked me for everything I gave in service to the club.
"They wished me well on my future journey and what I wanted to do and said I am always welcome back at the club at any point. So to have those words spoken was amazing. Sent off in the perfect way."
Looking forward, Alexander-Arnold is thrilled about his new chapter: "Now to be here facing a new challenge, a new journey is very exciting.
"I am over the moon here and something not a lot of players experience. So I am very lucky. I mean, to be honest, it was never a question of where - it was always whether to go or not.
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"I always knew, for me, I have probably known for a long time is that if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be for Real Madrid. They are the only club for me and then it gets to a point where you have to make a decision to go or stay.
"It wasn't easy, I am not going to say it was, I had been there so long and a part of it but eventually you have to make a decision and I have made the right one in my mind and I am excited about."