Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he has "never felt more loved and more cared for" after making an emotional final appearance at Anfield as Liverpool lifted the Premier League Trophy.
The 26-year-old right-back was given a hero's farewell when he came on at half-time in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace to make his 259th and last Premier League appearance for Liverpool. It contrasted with some booing from home fans that accompanied when he came on in the previous match at Anfield against Arsenal.
TV Info - Broadcasters
The Palace match brought to an end a 20-year spell at his boyhood team for Alexander-Arnold, who is reportedly set to join Real Madrid.
"I didn’t know what to expect stepping out today after what had happened a few weeks ago," an emotional Alexander-Arnold said after the match.
"I wanted to play for the club one more time. I said that to the manager, and he trusted me at half-time. And to get the reception I got means more than ever.
"I’ve played hundreds of games for the club, but I’ve never felt more loved and more cared for than today."
Alexander-Arnold applauded supporters on a lap of Anfield as his team-mates and the crowd sang, "You’ll Never Walk Alone".
"From six years old to 26 now - 20 years. It’s a very, very long time but I’ve loved every single minute of it," he said.
"The ups and the downs, coming through the Academy, making it to the first team, then being part of the first team properly. It’s been an honour and a privilege for me to be a part of this club."
'It's been the best day of my life'
Alexander-Arnold admitted he still hadn’t fully come to terms with the fact that he would not be returning next season.
"It’s not sunk in; it’s all I’ve ever known," he said. "At times you catch yourself thinking you’ll be back next season, but then you remember it’s not the case because things are changing.
"I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life, especially today. It’s been the best day of my life, a very, very special day and a very special achievement for the team and the club."