There was a mixed reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s name being read out at Anfield ahead of kick-off against Arsenal. Liverpool is in action against the Gunners in what is effectively a dead rubber after the Reds’ status as champions was confirmed a couple of weeks ago.
Alexander-Arnold was only named among the substitutes after announcing his impending departure last week, with Conor Bradley getting the nod at right-back.
When Alexander-Arnold’s name was read out by the stadium announcer in the build-up to kick-off, there were boos from some supporters, but those supporters were definitely in the minority.
After the game got under way, fans showed their support for Northern Irish youngster Bradley, chanting “there’s only one Conor Bradley.”
Alexander-Arnold ended months of speculation surrounding his future last week when he took to Instagram to confirm he is leaving the club at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold was asked whether he had a message for Liverpool’s fans as he spoke to club media as his impending departure was announced. “There’s a lot I would like to say,” he said. “The main thing is a massive thank you. You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there. I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it.
“I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club. I’ve done things I never thought I’d be able to do, and to do them with the fans and supporters of this club has been something I’ll never forget. I’ve got many, many memories that will live with me forever.
“There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me.
“Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan — I’ll always be a Liverpool fan.
