Liverpool’s end to the season will be laced with extra narrative after Trent Alexander-Arnold announced his intention to leave the club in June.
Alexander-Arnold had long been expected to join Real Madrid once his contract at Anfield expires at the end of the campaign.
And in an announcement on Monday, both Liverpool and the right-back himself made his exit official.
It is yet to be formally confirmed that Alexander-Arnold will be joining Real Madrid, but it is no secret that the 26-year-old is heading to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The reaction from Liverpool supporters has been understandably ferocious, with Alexander-Arnold seen as a traitor for the manner of his departure.
But amongst the Liverpool squad, the feeling is not the same. After the news of his exit was made official, Alexander-Arnold’s current and former teammates sent in their responses.
Liverpool players react to Trent Alexander-Arnold news
It has been known for some time that Alexander-Arnold is going to leave Liverpool. But that didn’t make Monday’s news any less jarring.
The Liverpool academy graduate has been a big part of the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot and the way in which he is leaving has really soured relations between player and supporter.
After Alexander-Arnold posted a message and accompanying video on his Instagram page on Monday, though, players such as Harvey Elliott seemed unperturbed in their reactions.
“Unbelievable player! Even better guy,” Elliott wrote on Instagram stories. “Enjoy it brother. Thank you!!”
“Thank you for everything brother,” added Curtis Jones. “Legend. Good luck.”
Cody Gakpo simply wrote “legend,” while Kostas Tsimikas reacted with a single heart emoji.
Jordan Henderson responds to Alexander-Arnold
It was not only Alexander-Arnold’s current teammates who were busy reacting to the big news on Monday.
Jordan Henderson was a huge figure during the defender’s early career at Liverpool and the former Reds captain was keen to give his views on Instagram.
“What a journey!!” wrote Henderson. “It’s been amazing to see you grow as a player and a person over the years.
“Thank you for everything and good luck with the next chapter… just keep being you and challenging yourself every day. The Scouser in our team!”
There will no doubt be more reactions filtering through from the football world. But for Liverpool fans, nothing will change the hurt and upset felt at the exit of one of their own.
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