Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to depart Liverpool after 20 years came as a rude shock to many fans and English Premier League (EPL) followers.  This is partly because it is coming after a glorious season following the EPL 2024/2025 victory.

Alexander-Arnold, who has spent his entire career so far at Merseyside that he joined as a six-year old, announced his departure and determination to take on a new challenge elsewhere.

The England right-back has also explained to Liverpool FC why he took the decision to leave the club at the end of his contract.

The 26-year-old will depart Anfield as a free agent, expecting to join Spanish club giant after more than 20 years this summer, when his deal ends on June 30, 2025.

He will do so after 352 appearances, 23 goals and eight major honours to date.

Alexander-Arnold described the contract decision as difficult, citing the need for a career change as his motivation.

In his word: “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.”

Primary Focus

In response to discussions surrounding the timing of his announcement, Alexander-Arnold stated that the central concern should be the footballing aspects.

“Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time,” he said. “But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch, should always be about the football. When we were in a title race and trying to push for trophies, it’s about making the right decision for the team and trying not to distract the team and take away from what we’re doing on the pitch. For me, it was always to do it after the season was kind of done; not so much the final game but when there was nothing else really to play for.”

In addition, he said “Now that we’ve won the league and we’ve been able to celebrate it and celebrate such an amazing achievement, I felt like now is the right time to get it off my chest and tell the fans the truth, and now is that time.

Challenging myself

When questioned about the possibility of remaining at Liverpool, given their recent success and his positive rapport with Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold acknowledged a favorable first impression of the manager. Nevertheless, he stated that the compelling desire to test himself in a different setting was the primary factor behind his decision to leave.

“One hundred per cent, a massive possibility. I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out because I knew from the first few moments with the manager that he was a winner, he was aiming to go and win things. And you’ve seen that this season with the way that we’ve played,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“So it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change. That’s something I need to do on my personal journey as a person, but also as a player and a professional, to go and challenge myself elsewhere. I feel like a challenge in a different environment is something I need to do as a player,” he added.

Painful decision

Despite not wanting to disappoint anyone, Alexander-Arnold knows fans will be disappointed by the news he had to reveal, which had been a burden.

“Yes, 100 per cent. I’ve been a fan of this club my whole life, it has given me the opportunity to go and do everything I’ve done, to achieve everything. So, I understand that. Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people.

“But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is,” said Alexander-Arnold.

Reflection of the past

Looking ahead to a time of reflection, academy graduate Alexander-Arnold couldn’t contain his love for Liverpool, acknowledging that the club facilitated all his achievements as he begins to consider his future away from Anfield.

“Just the word that springs to mind is love, if I’m honest. I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. It has given me the opportunities to go and achieve everything I’ve ever wanted, it has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all.

“But, like I said, at the end of the day I did have to make a decision and it is one that has been very difficult. I just hope that people will be able to see and understand that I’ve given everything to the club, I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything, I’ve done everything I’ve ever needed to do to try to help the team win games. And no matter what, that will never change. I’ll forever be a fan of the club, there’ll be no change in that. I’ll always be watching the games, I’ll be supporting from a distance. But in terms of a player at the club I think now is the right time for me to move on and challenge myself elsewhere.

Memory of EPL title

For the English player, the 2024/2025 Premier League title win was a uniquely special and memorable occasion. “For me it’s right at the top. You get a few of those moments in your life, I believe. Those special feelings that football can give you. It’s been an aim and a target for us over the last six, seven years I guess,” he said.“Especially winning the title without fans [in 2019-20] – that was one that motivated us a lot more, to win it with the fans there. To win it at home at Anfield was a dream of mine. You dream of that growing up. Winning a Premier League title for Liverpool at Anfield is something that I’ve pictured over and over in my head. But to achieve that against Tottenham was right up there for me, it was a feeling that I’ll never forget. I’ll be able to cherish it forever.”

Liverpool forever

Having spent over two decades at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold appreciates all his experiences and affirmed he’ll always be a Liverpool fan, even after leaving.

“There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there. I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club. I’ve done things I never thought I’d be able to do, and to do them with the fans and supporters of this club has been something I’ll never forget. I’ve got many, many memories that will live with me forever.

“There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve everdone for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan,” said Arnold.