By Simon Wilkes
Departing defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said he will remember his final appearance at Anfield ‘for the rest of my life’ after receiving a rapturous welcome from the home fans.
Alexander-Arnold angered certain parts of the Liverpool fanbase after revealing he is leaving Liverpool this summer, when his current contract expires.
He was booed by some fans during the 2-2 with Arsenal – something that angered former manager Jurgen Klopp, who leapt to the defence of Alexander-Arnold’s achievements over a 20-year spell with the club.
Guard of honour
Arne Slot’s Premier League champions could not deliver a final-day victory for the home fans, who saw FA Cup winners Crystal Palace receive a guard of honour from the Reds.
But Mohamed Salah’s 84th-minute volley earned a 1-1 draw with Palace, meaning the atmosphere was electric when captain Virgil van Dijk lifted the trophy with his team-mates.
Egyptian star Salah matched Andy Cole and Alan Shearer’s league record of 47 goal involvements (29 goals and 18 assists) to cap off a sensational season.
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Warm welcome
But it was the warm welcome received by England defender Alexander-Arnold when he replaced right-back Conor Bradley that hogged the headlines.
And the player himself told Sky Sports after the match: “I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what happened a few weeks ago.
“I wanted to play for the club one more time, I said that to the manager and he trusted me to go in there at half-time.
“To get the reception I got means more than anything to me. I’ve played hundreds of games for the club, but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for than today [Sunday].”
On the move to Madrid
Alexander-Arnold is expected to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer, with the Spanish champions having also recruited a former Red as head coach in the shape of Xabi Alonso.
But the 26-year-old, who moved through the ranks from the academy to the first team, says his heart will always be with Liverpool, saying he has ‘loved every minute’ with the club.
He added in an interview on the pitch at Anfield: “From the bottom of my heart, I hope the fans and supporters of this club will be able to recognise the hard work and everything I did for the team.
Ups and downs
“There wasn’t a day, minute or second I didn’t think about the team. From six years old to now, 20 years is a very long time but I’ve loved every minute – the ups and the downs.
“Coming through the academy, making it into the first team, being part of that properly, it’s been an honour and a privilege.
“It’s not sunk in, it’s all I’ve ever known. At times you catch yourself thinking you’ll be back next season, but then you remember it’s not the case because things are changing.
“I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life. It’s been the best day of my life, a very, very special day and a very special achievement for the team and the club.”
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