Trent Alexander-Arnold faced a harsh reception from Liverpool fans during his first appearance at Anfield since revealing his plans to leave the club at the end of the season.
Earlier in the week, the England defender announced he would be departing his boyhood club upon the expiration of his contract this summer, seeking a new challenge.
In the following match against Arsenal, Alexander-Arnold began on the bench but came on in the 67th minute. However, his return was met with disapproval from the home crowd, who expressed their frustration by chanting tributes to club legend Steven Gerrard and showing support for Conor Bradley, the Northern Irish right-back he replaced.
Boos rang out as Alexander-Arnold stepped onto the field and continued whenever he touched the ball. The 26-year-old seemed unsettled by the reception and was involved in a defensive lapse that allowed Mikel Merino to score Arsenal’s equalizer.
Alexander-Arnold had confirmed his departure in an emotional video message released the day after a defeat to Chelsea. In it, he stated: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season,” calling it the toughest decision of his life. He explained he had stayed silent to keep his focus on helping the team push for a 20th league title.
Following the match, he applauded the fans, with his final Anfield appearance set for May 25 against Crystal Palace. His exit will mark the end of a 20-year journey that began at age six and included over 350 appearances, 23 goals, 92 assists, and a trophy haul featuring two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Club World Cup.