Trent Alexander-Arnold issued an emotional farewell message to his Liverpool team-mates during their final training session before drawing the curtains on their season.
The Reds host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday, where the home fans will be treated to watching their side lift the Premier League trophy in person for the first time ever.
It will likely be an emotional fixture for Alexander-Arnold, who will end a 20-year association with the Merseyside club.
And as the boyhood Liverpool fan took to the grass for one of the last times at the club’s AXA Training Centre, Virgil van Dijk led the farewell celebrations for his team-mate.
The Dutchman handed the club’s vice-captain a framed No 66 ‘Alexander-Arnold’ Liverpool kit, and then shared some heartfelt words.
Van Dijk said: ‘Right, Trent, 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.
Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a farewell speech to his Liverpool team-mates on Saturday
The departing Reds star was handed a framed kit with his name on the back by Virgil van Dijk
Alexander-Arnold announced his Liverpool exit this month and is expected to join Real Madrid
‘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.’
After Van Dijk’s gesture, the squad erupted in applause, after which Alexander-Arnold delivered his farewell message off the fly.
He said candidly: ‘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.
‘To share it with you guys and create these bonds, a lot of the lads, especially these guys here [points to Van Dijk and Alisson], 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 grand kids. I wasn’t prepared for this, but I appreciate it, I appreciate all of you for everything.’
As Alexander-Arnold prepares to suit up in red one last time, there remains a lingering question over whether he will be booed in front of the home crowd in his final game, as has been the case at points this season.
Alexander-Arnold will play his last game for Liverpool at home vs Crystal Palace on Sunday
The right back has made 353 appearances in red so far and helped the club win seven trophies
Arne Slot expressed his hope that Alexander-Arnold gets the ‘reception he deserves’ in his farewell match, implying that he does not want his player to be booed by fans.
However, the Dutchman also conceded that he cannot change the minds of the club’s supporters. He added: ‘I hope I can influence them, but they have their own opinion as well.’
Earlier this week, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp revealed he ‘couldn’t have been more disappointed’ by the boos directed at Alexander-Arnold when they played Arsenal earlier this month.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Alexander-Arnold delivered a short message to fans on Instagram.
’20 years. Gave it everything,’ he wrote accompanied by a heart emoji, above a picture of his boots.
Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool since joining their youth academy back in 2004. After breaking into the first-team in 2016, he has represented the Reds in 353 senior games and helped bring seven different pieces of silverware to Anfield.
