Liverpool vice-captain, England international right-wing back Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed and announced on Monday through his official social media account that he will leave the club after his contract expires at the end of this season.

Alexander-Arnold said in the post that it was not easy to leave his beloved club after 20 years, but he had to make this decision in order to try new challenges.

He also said that he knew that many fans would find it difficult to accept this decision and felt sad about his decision, but he reiterated that his love for Liverpool will never change, and promised that he would still support the Reds in the future.

"After 20 years at Liverpool, the time has come for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of this season," Alexander-Arnold wrote.

"This has undoubtedly been the hardest decision I have ever made in my life."

"I know many of you have wondered why I haven't spoken about this yet, or are frustrated, but it has always been my intention to focus fully on the best interests of the club, which is to ensure that the 20th league title is safely secured."

"For 20 years this club has been my life, my world. The support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside the club, from the youth system all the way through to now, will stay with me forever. I will be forever grateful to you all."

"However, I have never known anything else and this decision is tro experience a new challenge, push myself out of my comfort zone and push myself professionally and personally."

"I have given my all every day at this club and I hope you feel that my time here has paid off."

"I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the past 20 years, my coaches, my manager, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters."

"I am lucky to be here to live my dream and I will never take for granted the special moments I have had with you. My love for this club will never fade. You'll Never Walk Alone."

With this announcement, it also means that there is no turning back on the fact that Alexander-Arnold is about to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

About Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 26-year-old Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's famous Kirkby youth academy system at the age of 6 and completed his Liverpool first-team debut in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2016.

Alexander-Arnold, who has been known for his superb passing, assists and free kick scoring abilities since his debut, has been one of the best right-wing backs in world football for many years.

In the past 9 years, Alexander-Arnold has played 352 times for the Reds in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and assisting 96 times. During which he has won the Premier League twice, the UEFA Champions League once, the UEFA Super Cup once, the English Community Shield once, the Carabao Cup once, the English FA Cup once and the FIFA Club World Cup once.