Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool after 20 years at the club, with the England international set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when the window opens next month
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Trent Alexander-Arnold gave an impromptu speech to his team-mates
(Image: Liverpool FC)
Outgoing Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold gave an emotional speech after being given a parting gift during his final training session after 20 years at the club. Alexander-Arnold, 26, confirmed on May 5 that he won't be signing a new deal with the Reds and is poised to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
If selected by Arne Slot, Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Anfield will mark his final appearance in a Liverpool shirt. Alexander-Arnold was booed by sections of the crowd during their last home match, but his team-mates and ex-Reds manager Jurgen Klopp have come out fighting for him amid the backlash.
Captain Virgil van Dijk, who's among those to have publicly backed the defender, gathered Liverpool's players at training on Friday to pay tribute to Alexander-Arnold, as shown on Liverpool's YouTube channel. "Right, Trent," the Reds skipper began.
"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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The squad applauded and Van Dijk handed the 26-year-old a framed shirt. Alexander-Arnold wasn't expecting the gift and said: "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.
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Virgil van Dijk presented Trent Alexander-Arnold with a Liverpool shirt
Virgil van Dijk presented Trent Alexander-Arnold with a Liverpool shirt
"To share it with you guys and create these bonds, a lot of the lads, especially these guys here [Van Dijk, Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker], 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.
"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."
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