Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold statement speaks volume as Madrid move announced

Daily Mirror

a day ago

Trent Alexander-Arnold will join Real Madrid earlier than expected after the La Liga giants agreed a deal with Liverpool to buy him from the start of the summer transfer window
Liverpool's statement announcing the early release of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid contained a less than glowing message of appreciation. Alexander-Arnold graduated through the Reds' academy, becoming a key member of their first-team squad.
He won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two Carabao Cups during his time at Anfield. The right-back had already announced that he would be leaving this summer once his contract expired.
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It was widely expected that he would be joining Madrid for free, though Los Blancos were keen to bring him in for the start of the Club World Cup. Had he moved to the Bernabeu for free, Alexander-Arnold would have missed all of their group games.
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That led to Madrid seeking a way to bring him in early, which has now led to the La Liga side agreeing to pay an £8.4million fee, plus the Englishman's remaining wages to officially sign him on 1 June. Liverpool released a statement to confirm the arrangement.
In that statement, the Reds thanked Alexander-Arnold for his service for the club. But that message raised eyebrows for his short and sharp nature.
"Liverpool FC can confirm an offer has been accepted for Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid for his transfer upon the opening of the June transfer window. The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer," the statement read.
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"Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1. Alexander-Arnold joined the club's Academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016.
"He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his teammates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups. Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes."
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When announcing his decision to not sign a new contract, Alexander-Arnold admitted it had been the 'hardest' call he had ever had to make. The right-back insisted he felt it was the right time to experience a new challenge.
"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," he wrote on Instagram."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."