Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially confirmed that he will be leaving Liverpool Football Club at the end of the current season. The England international is expected to join Real Madrid.

While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have both recently signed new contracts, it had long been anticipated that Alexander-Arnold could be on his way out. Despite speculation suggesting he might reconsider and commit to a new deal at Anfield, the allure of Real Madrid and the desire for a fresh challenge appear to have prevailed.

“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,” Alexander-Arnold announced in a statement posted on social media. “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 earlier, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests — which was securing title number 20.

“This club has been my entire life — my whole world — for 20 years. From the Academy right through to the first team, the support and love I’ve received from everyone inside and outside the club will remain with me forever. I will always be in your debt.

“But I’ve never known anything else, and this decision is about embracing a new challenge, stepping 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. I hope you feel I’ve given something back 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 fortunate enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve experienced with you all. My love for this club will never fade.”

Liverpool have three fixtures remaining this season — against Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace. The Reds currently sit 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, having already secured the title.

Manager Arne Slot may opt to give Conor Bradley some game time during the remaining matches, although Alexander-Arnold could still feature again for his boyhood club. Slot is expected to address the situation during his press conference later in the week.

“There’s a lot I would like to say,” Alexander-Arnold added. “The main thing is a massive thank you. You’ve been with me from the very beginning, you’ve supported me, stood by me.

“I’ve felt the support, the love — everything you’ve done has never gone unnoticed. I’ve cherished every single moment. I hope that feeling has been mutual and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.

“I just hope we can continue winning matches and that the noise surrounding my decision doesn’t detract from what we’ve achieved this season.

“It has been an incredible season. It’s been an honour to be a part of it, and I truly hope that everyone can celebrate what the rest of the lads have accomplished without dwelling too much on this news.”