Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to nearly two years of speculation with the fullback heading to Real Madrid.
Taking to X on Monday morning, the 25-year-old shared his reasoning for wanting to leave the club.
On Sunday, Liverpool lost 3-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Alexander-Arnold was hooked after just 57 minutes. It was one of his worst performances for the Reds, failing to make a single tackle while being beaten twice on the wing by Noni Madueke all while finding the mark with just 77% of his passes.
It would have been an indication of the announcement to come but that’s where the fullback’s standards have dropped to this season.
The so-called vice-captain has been poor for several months but will now have to face the reaction of Liverpool fans to his bombshell announcement.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool for free after 20 years with the Reds
Writing on Twitter, Alexander-Arnold said: “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.
“I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.
“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.
“But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.
“I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.
“I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all. My love for this club will never die.”
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.
I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this… pic.twitter.com/emAw5RvXq0
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) May 5, 2025
When did Alexander-Arnold decide to make the announcement?
A recent report from the Daily Mail claimed to have interpreted a conversation between Alexander-Arnold and principal club owner John W. Henry thanks to a lip-reading specialist.
At the time, some understandably desperate supporters online theorised that the conversation hinted at the Scouser being on the cusp of a U-turn to stay at the club.
Now, it seems like Henry was pushing Alexander-Arnold to make the announcement in his own time.
Investigative and forensic lipreader Nicola Hickling, claimed Henry opened the conversation by saying: “You’ve been quiet. How did you get on?“
Alexander-Arnold supposedly replied: “Being sensible.”
Henry then lifted up his hand and seemingly said: “I want you to do the right thing.“
Alexander-Arnold replied: “Yeah, yeah.“
In a bid to reassure the fullback, Henry replied: “Best way and don’t panic.”
Alexander-Arnold then asked: “Should I decide?”
Henry nodded slowly before saying: “Absolutely“.
He then turned to the fans and said: “Let them know.”
Alexander-Arnold then, seemingly, nodded in agreement with John W. Henry.
