TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD “remembers nothing” of his erratic performance against Manchester United earlier this season.
The Liverpool star, 26, has confirmed that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season.
Speculation over the full-back’s future has been rife all season, given that his contract is set expire at the end of June.
It is widely expected that Alexander-Arnold will pen a six-year contract with Real Madrid.
The England star has mulled over his decision for much of this season.
In January, Alexander-Arnold was the subject of a £20million bid from Real Madrid.
According to the Telegraph, the offer sent the Liverpool hometown hero’s mind “into a blur”.
They add that Alexander-Arnold has since told pals that he “remembers nothing” about his performance against Man Utd at the time.
As it happened, the right-back had a day to forget in the 2-2 draw, making an error leading to Lisandro Martinez’s goal.
Following that match, it’s said that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes called Alexander-Arnold to check if he was alright.
Alexander-Arnold went on to confirm his decision not to sign a new contract during the March international break, when he informed boss Arne Slot.
With his manager and team-mates having already been told, the Liverpool academy graduate put out a message to fans earlier today.
Alexander-Arnold’s emotional statement read: “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.
‘MY LOVE FOR THIS CLUB WILL NEVER DIE’
“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 team-mates, 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.”
Liverpool’s club statement was rather more blunt.
It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.
“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 has won two Premier League titles, and FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Champions League with his boyhood club.
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