Trent Alexander-Arnold received a heartfelt send-off at Anfield on Sunday as he made his final appearance for Liverpool, bringing an emotional close to a remarkable two-decade journey with his boyhood club.
The 26-year-old vice-captain, who is set to join Real Madrid, was moved to tears after the final whistle, calling it “the best day of my life.”
Introduced at halftime during Liverpool’s final Premier League game of the season, Alexander-Arnold was met with thunderous applause— a sharp contrast to the earlier backlash he faced after announcing his departure. Even former manager Jürgen Klopp, who gave Trent his debut in 2016, expressed shock at the initial negative reaction.
Despite the intense emotion, Alexander-Arnold delivered a passionate performance, nearly setting up a goal with one of his signature assists. As he received his Premier League winners’ medal, he thumped the Liverpool badge on his chest and raised his arms to a standing ovation from the Kop.
“The reception I got means the world to me,” said Alexander-Arnold. “I’ve played hundreds of games, but I’ve never felt so loved. I hope one day the fans will recognise what I did for this team.”
Alexander-Arnold ends his Liverpool chapter with 354 appearances, 23 goals, and 86 assists. His legacy includes two Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA and FIFA Super Cups, and a Community Shield—an extraordinary tally for a local lad who became a legend.