Liverpool's stalwart defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced his departure from the club this summer. The Reds' right-back is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, bringing an end to his two-decade-long association with Liverpool.

In an emotional statement, Alexander Arnold said: "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.

"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."

At 26, Alexander-Arnold will bid farewell to Anfield having clinched two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, an FA Cup, two League Cups, a Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup. Despite being the club's vice-captain and engaging in contract negotiations with Liverpool, he has chosen to embark on a fresh challenge.

Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's academy at the tender age of six, having grown up in close proximity to the club's former Melwood training ground.

As a youngster, he would often perch atop bins to catch glimpses of training sessions featuring Liverpool legends like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

From an early age, Alexander-Arnold caught the eye of Liverpool staff and was initially tipped for a midfield position in the senior team.

However, as he neared the first team, he began to make appearances at right-back, and in October 2016, Jurgen Klopp handed him his senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur.

Alexander-Arnold made history by becoming the youngest player to start in back-to-back Champions League finals when Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham to lift the European Cup in 2019, following their defeat to Real Madrid the previous year.

He emerged as a creative powerhouse in Klopp's squad, delivering 13 assists in the Premier League during the 2019-20 season as Liverpool ended their 30-year league title drought. This remains a record for a defender.

In two other seasons, he has provided 12 assists in the league alone.

During the 2021-22 season, when the Reds reached another European Cup final and clinched both domestic cups in England, he chalked up 18 assists across all competitions.

Klopp appointed him vice-captain in the summer of 2023, with Virgil van Dijk taking over the captain's armband from the outgoing Jordan Henderson.

Under Arne Slot this season, he has contributed six assists as Liverpool secured their second league title.

While Alexander-Arnold hasn't been as attacking or ventured into midfield as much under Slot, he has remained a pivotal figure in the team's title-winning campaign.

It is believed that while the defender was content at Liverpool, the prospect of a new challenge abroad has lured him to make a move.

He will join forces with England colleague Jude Bellingham in Madrid, with whom he has developed a strong rapport while playing for the national side.

Real are beginning to overhaul their squad, and there's a possibility that Alexander-Arnold could play under former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso in Spain.

Carlo Ancelotti appears set to depart Madrid this summer, with Alonso tipped as the frontrunner to succeed him.