Trent Alexander-Arnold threw a 'Summer of 66' farewell party for his Liverpool team-mates at the club's training centre - but some fans have been left unimpressed
19:16, 18 May 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold threw a leaving party over the weekend
Trent Alexander-Arnold bid his Liverpool colleagues a 'Summer of 66' themed goodbye bash at the club's training ground, sparking outrage among some fans.
The right-back, 26, confirmed this season would be his swansong at Liverpool after two decades with the Reds, and he's now tipped for a switch to Real Madrid.
The England star has been lambasted by some supporters for jumping ship on a free transfer, accusing him of being disloyal to the club where he kicked off his career. He was met with jeers from a section of the crowd when he was subbed on against Arsenal earlier this month.
With just two more potential matches left - an away game at Brighton on Monday night and a final home match against Crystal Palace on May 25 - Alexander-Arnold is gearing up for his imminent departure.
Over the weekend, he threw a festival-style party for his team-mates, their families and Liverpool staff at the AXA training centre, complete with a barbecue, circus acts and flamethrowers.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold threw the party to say goodbye to his team-mates
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A 'kids' zone' featuring crazy golf and cakes was set up, with the 'Summer of 66' theme paying homage to his Liverpool shirt number, reports the Mirror.
Boss Arne Slot was spotted at the festivities, along with team-mates Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk.
According to The Athletic, the party was personally arranged by Alexander-Arnold as a token of gratitude to the club, its staff and his fellow players.
Liverpool's star players
Liverpool's star players were spotted at the BBQ
Fans are divided as some have lashed out at the Reds and Alexander-Arnold for hosting the bash at the training ground despite him upping sticks to join a European rival on a free transfer - with some labelling it "embarrassing".
One fan took to Twitter to say: "He's not retiring, he's leaving to join another club. Since when has this been celebrated?" Another tweeted: "Baffling who signed off on that Trent party at the training ground. Embarrassing."
A third fan added: "Think this is a bit odd me. It's embarrassing from the club imo. Celebrating a player leaving the club is wild whatever way you look at it."
It was branded as the 'Summer of 66'
It was branded as the 'Summer of 66'
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold revealed that choosing to leave Anfield was the toughest call of his career. In a heartfelt message, he penned: "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. My love for this club will never die."
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Alexander-Arnold's departure marks the end of an era for the 24 year old, who rose through the youth ranks to become a fan favourite.