Alexander-Arnold's tearful farewell after 20 years at Liverpool
The Liverpool vice-captain was booed by some Reds fans earlier this month in his first game after confirming that he was leaving at the end of this season, amid many reports that a move to Real Madrid was a done deal.
But the 26-year-old was staunchly defended by teammates including Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, while former manager Juergen Klopp — who gave Alexander-Arnold his debut in 2016 — said he turned off his television when he heard the boos.
It's been a rollercoaster for Trent 🥹🔴 #SSPL | #LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/78mxD2QBCS
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 25, 2025
The manner of Alexander-Arnold's departure, as a free agent and after some arguably mixed messages about his future, will still rankle with Liverpool supporters and he admitted to some trepidation.
'I didn't know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what happened a few weeks ago, but I wanted to play for the club one more time,' he told Sky Sports.
Alexander-Arnold's introduction at half time was met with excitement, though, and his desperation to sign off in style was evident. Had it not been for a poor effort by Darwin Nunez, he would have added another superb assist to his collection.
Trent x Robbo
They've scaled football's heights together 🤝🔴 #SSPL | #LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/H4tNqN8AlP
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 25, 2025
He was in tears at the final whistle and seemed relieved to get yet more cheers when receiving his Premier League winners' medal, before he raised his arms aloft and thumped the Liverpool badge on what he said was 'the best day for me in my life'.
'The reception I got means the world to me, I have played hundreds of games but have never felt so loved and cared for,' Alexander-Arnold said.
'From the bottom of my heart I hope that one day the fans and supporters will recognise what I did for the team.'
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was in agreement and hailed the fans' reception for Alexander-Arnold
'Maybe it also helped what an unbelievable half he played,' he said with a smile.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Liverpool legend Michael Owen criticises South Africa's football development system
Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen has provided a candid evaluation of South Africa's ongoing challenges in producing players Image: Leon Lestrade Independent Newspapers Michael Owen, the former England and Liverpool striker, has addressed South Africa's persistent challenges in developing players capable of breaking into the world's top football leagues, especially the Premier League. In an exclusive one-on-one interview with IOL, Owen, who is also a Subbet ambassador, pointed to a lack of long-term development systems as key reasons why South African players remain absent from elite European clubs. Owen, a Ballon d'Or winner and one of England's most celebrated strikers, also played for clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United. "Listen, it's very difficult. Very difficult unless your structure supports it. And quite clearly in South Africa, the structure supports rugby players, maybe cricket," Owen said. His comments come at a time when South Africa has only a handful of players playing in Europe's top five leagues. "But in terms of football, as much as it's a very, very popular sport, getting young players through the system and sufficiently educated, and I'm talking football education, sufficiently educated, a nice clear career path, the finances, the facilities, you know, it's simply not there". Owen added that while South Africa remains a football-loving nation, passion alone was not enough. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "So there's no point in having a 100,000-seater stadium that costs a billion pounds to build. That's the end game. If you want good players, you've got to start right at the other end. "And you've got to, you know, they've got to be doing it in schools. They've got to be playing. There's got to be a pathway. There's got to be lots and lots of things that have got to be put in place to be able to do that". IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Arsenal sign midfielder Norgaard from Brentford
Norgaard scored 13 times in 196 appearances for the Bees. Christian Norgaard said a childhood dream of appearing in the Champions League had come true after signing for Arsenal from Brentford on Thursday. The 31-year-old Danish midfielder has joined for a reported initial £10 million ($14 million) fee plus a further £2 million in add-ons, according to The Athletic. ALSO READ: Maresca hails Joao Pedro after Chelsea reach Club World Cup final Norgaard scored 13 times in 196 appearances for the Bees and was crucial to establishing Brentford as a Premier League club over the past four seasons. 'You can get almost emotional because maybe it was a dream that I've given a little bit up on coming towards the later stage in my career,' said Norgaard. 'I've just turned 31 and had signed a new deal with Brentford. Of course, there's always a little chance that a miracle could happen with Brentford, but it was probably unrealistic to play Champions League with them. 'Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It's a childhood dream and something I didn't think would be possible.' Norgaard is Arsenal's third signing of the transfer window after Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and boosts their midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. 'He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad,' said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. OPINION: Why Dembélé or Vitinha should win the Ballon d'Or 'He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance.' Arsenal are also reportedly closing in on the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for a deal worth around £70 millon.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Liverpool legend Michael Owen visits North Coast
Football legend and horse racing enthusiast Michael Owen made a memorable appearance at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom on Friday. The former England striker was visiting KwaZulu-Natal for the first time, despite having travelled to South Africa on three previous occasions. Owen was in the province as a SunBet ambassador for the 2025 Durban July, held on Saturday. The 2001 Ballon d'Or winner spent several hours signing autographs and engaging with fans before speaking about his dual passions: football and horse racing. 'Football has been my life, but racing is my passion – it's what I love,' said Owen (45), who owns The Michael Owen Racing Club at Manor House Stables in Cheshire, UK. His racing operation includes more than 130 horses and 40 staff, with several horses co-owned by current and former footballers, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. During his visit, Owen toured the Summerveld horse training facility in Shongweni. He expressed admiration for the South African racing scene and hinted at possible future involvement. 'You never know,' he said, adding that he wouldn't be giving up any secrets just yet. The two-time English Premier League Golden Boot winner also praised South African cuisine. 'I love the food, it's bigger, better and the price is more reasonable than in the UK,' he said. Owen told the Courier that his favourite goal remains his 1998 World Cup wonder strike against Argentina in France. 'If I could relive one game again,' he said, 'it would be the 2001 FA Cup Final against Arsenal, because we (Liverpool) won and I scored the winner. Argentina knocked us (England) out of the World Cup, and my goal didn't count for anything.' Owen learned of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota's death (reported on July 3) while flying to Durban. 'It's the most awful and tragic news. My thoughts are with his family. I cannot imagine the pain they are going through.' He also criticised the current structure of the FIFA Club World Cup, calling it flawed. 'I cannot take it seriously. How can you have some of the best teams – Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona – not competing?' Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
