Virgil van Dijk expressed heartfelt gratitude to Trent Alexander-Arnold during an emotional farewell speech, as the Liverpool right-back prepares to leave the club this summer after confirming he won’t renew his contract.
Although his next destination hasn’t been officially revealed, Liverpool has already begun bidding farewell to their academy graduate. During the team’s final training session of the season, Van Dijk addressed Alexander-Arnold with a moving tribute.
“Trent, we all knew this moment would come,” the Dutch defender began. “On behalf of all the lads, thank you for everything you’ve contributed to this club—the victories, the memories, both on and off the pitch. You’ll be sorely missed. You’re a top-class player and an even better person.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything. We wish you all the best moving forward. And we have a small gift for you.”
He then presented Alexander-Arnold with a framed Liverpool jersey featuring his number. The departing player responded with a speech of his own:
“I’m endlessly grateful for all I’ve received. We all dream of moments like this, but for me, it means even more—I’ve been here for 20 years. Liverpool has been my whole life and everything I’ve ever worked toward.
“To experience this journey with all of you has been incredible. Many of you—especially Virg, Mo, Robbo, and Alisson—have seen me grow from a boy into a man. The friendships we’ve built will last a lifetime.
“I’ve made memories and stories I’ll tell my children and grandchildren. I wasn’t expecting this, but I truly appreciate each and every one of you.”
Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to join Real Madrid in the coming weeks. The Spanish giants have pursued him for months and are hoping to finalize the deal in time for him to play in the Club World Cup starting June 15, although his current contract runs until the end of June.