Liverpool fans have branded Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club on a free transfer as ‘sickening’, while a city nightclub claimed it had banned the star ahead of his departure.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed on Monday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, with the England star opting against extending his contract.
The 26-year-old claimed it was the ‘hardest decision’ he had made in his life and expressed hope that fans ‘feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.’
Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer having taken the decision to leave his boyhood club after 20 years.
Some Liverpool fans have hit out at Alexander-Arnold, despite his role in two Premier League title wins, a Champions League triumph and FA Cup and League Cup success.
Several fans hit out at Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer, claiming the club are set to miss out on a lucrative transfer fee.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
The full-back will leave on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with the Reds
Popworld in Liverpool joked the star has been barred after his decision to leave the club
Liverpool fans have hit out at Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club on a free transfer
‘I wish Trent showed loyalty to lose him on a free is stomach churning,’ one fan wrote. ‘But it was poor of the club as well. Can’t be losing a 100 million player on a free.
‘Whatever way you want to dress it up, the people running the club have had a nightmare here as well.’
‘I still can’t quite believe we’re losing Trent on a free,’ another wrote. ’26 years old. His tally of 64 assists is the most by a defender in the Premier League history. Easily worth £100m+. It’s sickening.’
A third wrote: ‘Klopp made Trent vice captain when there were better options available, so he can convince him to commit his career to the club, just to leave for free. Shame.’
‘Trent’s basically said “I’d rather win a CL for Madrid at the expense of Liverpool”. Being a legend isn’t what you do at a club, it’s always how you leave it. He’s not one in my eyes,’ another claimed.
Several fans compared Alexander-Arnold’s departure to former Liverpool academy products Michael Owen and Steve McManaman, as well Steven Gerrard’s decision to stay at the club.
Owen signed for Real Madrid for £8million in 2004, five years after McManaman had joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer.
‘Worse than Owen, worse than Mcmanaman,’ one fan claimed. ‘Make sure he is never, ever welcomed back. He’s losing a lot more than we are. See ya.’
Alexander-Arnold has won every trophy possible during his time with the Merseyside giants
Fans expressed anger at Alexander-Arnold while a night club claimed to have barred the star
‘Steven Gerrard was a part of some of the worst Liverpool sides in history and still turned down moves to Chelsea, Madrid, Bayern and Inter,’ another said.
‘Trent is at one of the best sides in the world and a Premier League champion and moves at the first opportunity. Says it all.’
The strength of feeling from Liverpool fans was also shown by Popworld Liverpool, a nightclub in the city, claiming to have barred Alexander-Arnold from entry.
In a statement on social media confirming his exit, Alexander-Arnold wrote: ‘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’.
Meanwhile, in a club statement on their website, Liverpool wrote: ‘The 26-year-old will bring his two-decade-long association with the Reds to an end having made the decision to depart Anfield once his deal ceases on June 30, 2025.
‘Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success.’
