By Simon Wilkes
Trent Alexander-Arnold is excited to face a ‘new challenge’ with Real Madrid – and thanked Liverpool’s staff, owners and players for an ‘amazing send-off’.
The England defender joined the Spanish giants on a six-year contract after his contract expired at Anfield, where he spent a 20-year spell – moving from the academy into the first team.
Alexander-Arnold was booed by a small section of Liverpool fans in the home draw with Arsenal after announcing he was swapping Merseyside from Madrid.
Boo boys berated
But after Jurgen Klopp, who was so influential in shaping the right-back into the superstar that has signed for Real, berated the booing, the 26-year-old was given a rousing reception in his final appearance for the club – and says he will never forget that.
Alexander-Arnold was unveiled at a press conference on Thursday, and told the media: “Being at Liverpool for so long, experiencing everything I did was incredible.
“Knowing it was coming to an end was always going to be emotional for me – but I felt I went out in a way I’m happy about.
“The send off I got, the way they treated me, the way the fans were was outstanding. I couldn’t say a bad word.
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Incredible support
“Speaking to the players, the manager, and the owners, they were all incredible and showed a lot of support.
“I had an amazing conversation in the last couple of days with the owners, they were very warm and welcoming, thanked me for everything I gave in service to the club, wished me well on my future journey and said I’d always be welcome back at the club at any point.
“To have those words from the club is amazing. Sent off in the perfect way.
“Now to face a new challenge. I’m very, very excited. Over the moon to be here. I’m very lucky and very proud to be here.”
Playing for Alonso
Alexander-Arnold will be plying his trade under the managerial guidance of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso – another fan favourite after a memorable spell on Merseyside.
He will run out wearing the white of Madrid in the upcoming Club World Cup after Real paid Liverpool £10 million to ensure he could play in the USA-based tournament.
Dream come true
And he added to the press, who he impressed by speaking in Spanish: “Thank you Florentino Perez and the club for this opportunity. This doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true. I’m very happy and proud to be here.
“I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. I do realise I’m signing for Real Madrid, the demands are high, but I’m going to give my all to the team and Real Madrid fans.
“I want to show those fans how I play. I want to win many titles, I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the best. Hala Madrid.”
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Newsjustnews writers 
Geoffrey H. Latayan