Trent Alexander-Arnold was presented with a gift by Virgil van Dijk and his Liverpool teammates as he gets ready to leave Anfield this summer.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing his final match for Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing his final match for Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Liverpool squad, lead by Virgil van Dijk, took part in their own private farewell ceremony for Trent Alexander-Arnold in training for their final game of the season. The Premier League champions play Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, the final time the vice-captain will play in front of home supporters.
Sunday's game will also be followed by the presentation of the Premier League trophy. Alexander-Arnold is going to be leaving after two decades with his boyhood club, and as of yet it remains unknown how Liverpool are going to publicly say goodbye to the 26-year-old - as the last time he played at Anfield, he arrived on to the field as a substitute and was greeted by a smattering of boos from supporters clearly not happy with the outcome of the decision.
At least in private, the Reds squad were able to get together to commemorate their departing friend at the club's AXA Training Centre.
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With the squad gathered before they took to the training pitches - at their base of operations - captain Van Dijk began: "Right, Trent, we all knew this day was coming, of course, and I speak for everyone here. We would like to thank you for everything you have done.
"Obviously in your time with Liverpool, the success that we had, the good moments together on and off the pitch, we are definitely going to miss you. You're an outstanding player, a very good human being.
"We wish you well and yeah, listen, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done. All the best. We have a little something for you."
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Everyone applauded and the captain handed the vice-captain a framed 'Alexander-Arnold 66 Liverpool shirt'.
This whole show of appreciation was, seemingly, sprung upon Alexander-Arnold, who responded on the spot.
"I'm just eternally grateful for everything that I've been given. We all dream of these moments but, for me, it feels even more special because I've been here 20 years.
"It's an amazing chapter of my life - it's been my whole life - it's been everything I've ever worked for - dreamt for.
"To share it with you guys and create these bonds, a lot of the lads, especially these guys here [points to VVD and Alisson], have seen me transition from a boy to a man.
"The bonds and the brotherhood I've got with you guys will remain with me forever.
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"I've got stories and memories I'll be able to tell kids and grandkids. I wasn't prepared for this, but I appreciate it, I appreciate all of you for everything."
Again, the squad applauded their departing teammate and they all posed for a huge squad photo with Alexander-Arnold holding his gift front and centre.
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