Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, has expressed the team’s disappointment over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season, but insisted that the right-back’s exit won’t cast a shadow over their upcoming Premier League title celebrations.
The 26-year-old, a product of Liverpool’s academy, received boos from sections of the Anfield crowd during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, his first appearance since revealing he would depart the club once his contract expires in June.
Real Madrid is widely believed to be his next destination.
“We are gutted that he’s not here with us next year because he’s a fantastic player with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we have seen over the last seven years,” Van Dijk stated, acknowledging the impact Alexander-Arnold has had on the team.
Commenting on the crowd’s reaction, Van Dijk added, “The (crowd) reaction happened. He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well. I wasn’t really expecting something, to be honest, but I think maybe he expected this. It’s not easy, not at all. We’re here for him anyway.”
Liverpool are set to be crowned Premier League champions on May 25, following their final game of the season at home against Crystal Palace. Celebrations will continue with an open-top bus parade through the city on May 26.
As anticipation builds for the title party, Van Dijk emphasized that Alexander-Arnold will remain central to the occasion.
“We want to win two more games and after the final whistle, including him (Alexander-Arnold), lift the trophy up and celebrate like we have never done before,” he said.
When asked if the defender’s exit might put a dampener on the festivities, Van Dijk was clear, “I don’t think so. It shouldn’t. There’s a lot more players that also deserve an amazing day.”
The Dutch international also touched on contract decisions made by other key players, including himself and Mohamed Salah, both of whom recently signed new two-year deals. However, he acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s choice to move on.
“Everyone shares different opinions and he feels like he has done it all, and he did it, and he wants to try something different,” Van Dijk said. “You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to as I read in the media.”
Explaining his own contract renewal, he added, “I was sorting my own stuff out. I had to secure my future as well and I was quite busy doing that. There were loads of other options but Liverpool is the place for me.”
