Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has offered support to soon to be former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold after some Liverpool fans made their feelings about the right-back’s looming exit during the game against Arsenal on Sunday.
What happened?
Trent Alexander-Arnold recently announced that he would be making a departure from Liverpool at the end of the season. This announcement came after months of speculations about the Englishman’s future courtesy of his expiring contract.
Trent made his first appearance after declaring that he would be leaving his boyhood club on a free transfer in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and the 26-year-old defender was met with boos from a large section of the Anfield faithful.
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Van Dijk’s reaction
Speaking on the incident after the game, Van Dijk, who came to Trent’s defense, said it was something that the whole team would have to deal with together.
“The reaction happened. He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well, by the way,” Van Dijk said. “But I think maybe he expected this. We have two more games and then we part ways and he will go somewhere else.”
“I wasn’t really expecting anything. It’s not easy, not at all. We’re here for him. We are gutted that he’s not here with us next year because he’s a fantastic player in my opinion, with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we have all been seeing over the last seven years I’ve been here. We’re definitely going to miss him when he’s gone.
“It shouldn’t [overshadow the title celebrations]. There are a lot more players that also deserve an amazing day. I don’t think it will.
“He made the decision for himself and he’s at peace with it. We have two more games that he will have to play a part in as well. I’m sure he will because he’s a fantastic player and then we’ll say goodbye to him.”
What next?
Like Van Dijk said, Liverpool have two games left to play this season and Trent will likely play a part for the Reds despite the backlash from some of their fans.
The highly rated full-back is widely expected to be plying his trade at the Santiago Bernabeu next season following is widely publicized romance with Real Madrid.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
