The moment when Trent Alexander-Arnold told Arne Slot that he wanted to leave Liverpool has been revealed, according to reports.
On Monday morning, Alexander-Arnold confirmed his decision to leave Liverpool – having spent 20 years at the club – on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The England international is expected to complete a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, who he has been continuously linked with amid his contract disputes.
Mail Sport was the first English newspaper to report that Madrid were confident of securing Alexander-Arnold back in December – and not much has changed along the way.
Now, The Telegraph claim that Alexander-Arnold informed Reds manager Slot of his decision to leave the club during the March international break.
The outlet report that the defender – who had been sidelined due to an injured ankle – had requested a ‘face-to-face’ meeting with Slot over the matter.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
It’s been revealed as to when the full-back informed Arne Slot (right) of his choice to leave
Alexander-Arnold took to social media on Monday to break the news to his followers and fans
He then informed the Dutchman that he would not be signing another contract at the club – despite the best efforts of Liverpool’s chiefs.
Mail Sport understands that sporting director Richard Hughes’ first call in the job was to Alexander-Arnold’s representatives – in a bid to get him to sign a new deal.
The final offer would have made him the best-paid full back in the Premier League and Liverpool are satisfied they tried their very best to tempt him to stay.
In a statement on social media, Alexander-Arnold confirmed his decision to leave Liverpool, as he 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.
Slot and Alexander-Arnold embraced on the pitch at Anfield after winning the league title
Alexander-Arnold has won every trophy possible during his time with the Merseyside giants
Alexander-Arnold played in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday afternoon – before announcing his exit from the Merseyside giants early on Monday morning
‘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.’
It puts to an end the long-running saga that has dominated debates this season with the 26-year-old not discussing his future out of respect to Liverpool as he did not want it to be played out in public.