Trent Alexander-Arnold was overcome with tears as Liverpool fans treated him to a hero’s farewell on his Anfield swansong.
Supporters welcomed him with widespread cheer and applause as he replaced Conor Bradley at half-time and gave him similar adoration as he did a lap of the crowd at the finale.
The outgoing star, whose sat-nav is set for Real Madrid, described it as the ‘best day of his life’ as he waved goodbye to the family he has served for two decades.
Liverpool fans can have a long memory for players who run down their contracts and Alexander-Arnold admitted he had been nervous about his reception about being booed in recent times.
But a rousing speech on Friday by Jurgen Klopp – who watched on like a proud father as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace – appears to have swung many critics from bitterness to gratitude for the right-back’s trophy-laden stint.
Alexander-Arnold struggled to hold back the tears as he spoke to Sky Sports and the floodgates opened as he embraced his mum Dianne and dad Michael, with his brothers joining them on the pitch.
Trent Alexander-Arnold let the tears flow as Anfield gave him a heroic send-off on Sunday
The Liverpool star cut an emotional figure as he paraded around the stands in Liverpool
The outgoing star embraced his mother and father as his brothers gathered on the [itch
‘I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield today after what had happened,’ he admitted.
‘But I wanted to play for the club one more time, I told the manager, and he trusted me. The reception I got means so much to me. I have never felt more loved and more cared for than today.
‘I hope that one day the fans and supporters of this club are able to recognise the hard work I put in for this team.
‘From six to 26, 20 years is a very long time. I have loved every second of it, it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club.
‘I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life. This day will go down as the best in my life.’
Alexander-Arnold interrupted his interview with Daniel Sturridge to dive into Liverpool’s team photo with the trophy, taking his spot on the floor at the centre of the jubilant group.
In a stirring victory lap, taking in the Kop, Main Stand, the Anfield Road Stand and the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, the 26-year-old kissed his badge and beat his chest.
Lifting the trophy to the crowd, you felt the outpouring of all the bottled-up emotion coursing through him: ecstasy at a second Premier League title, nostalgia at his departure, relief at his warm send-off.
Alexander-Arnold shared a moment with his long-time full-back ally Andy Robertson
The England star, 26, kissed the badge on what he called ‘the best day of my life’
He said he has ‘never felt more loved’ than he did at full time against Crystal Palace
Jurgen Klopp, who handed him his debut in 2016, watched on like a proud father at Anfield
Alexander-Arnold has played 354 times for the Reds, bringing home two Premier League trophies, a Champions League, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup, not to mention the FIFA and UEFA Super Cups and an FA Community Shield.
No defender in Premier League history comes close to his 67 assists (Andy Robertson has 60) and few have had such a transformational impact on the right-back role.
Moving to Real Madrid – something which still needs to be officially confirmed – will give him a chance to compete for the Ballon d’Or and play alongside one of his best friends, Jude Bellingham.
But leaving on a free has touched a nerve in one of the country’s most visceral fanbases and saw him booed against Arsenal earlier this month.
During Monday’s defeat to Brighton, Alexander-Arnold appeared distant as he stood silent, hands on hips as Liverpool players applauded their partying fans post-match.
Klopp, who gave Alexander-Arnold his debut against Tottenham in October 2016, condemned some fans’ acrimony as he spoke at the LFC Foundation dinner at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday.
‘I’m not saying don’t be disappointed but don’t forget what he’s done for this club,’ said Klopp, who held up a signed Alexander-Arnold shirt.
‘I heard the booing, I switched the TV off. I couldn’t have been more disappointed. This isn’t us.’
Alexander-Arnold’s face flooded with emotion as he lifted the Premier League triphy high
Mohamed Salah gave the 26-year-old a warm hug after the Egyptian’s equalising goal
Fans appeared to take that message to heart on Sunday. Though Liverpool became the first Premier League winners to go winless in the same season after claiming the trophy, this was a beautiful day for one of their modern legends.
There were hugs from all his team-mates – including a particularly bear-like one from the avuncular goalkeeper Alisson – and congratulations from the opposition.
As he told his team-mates in training this week: ‘I’m just eternally grateful for everything that I’ve been given. We all dream of these moments but, for me, it feels even more special because I’ve been here 20 years.
‘It’s an amazing chapter of my life – it’s been my whole life – it’s been everything I’ve ever worked for – dreamt for.
‘To share it with you guys and create these bonds, a lot of the lads, especially these guys here [points to Van Dijk and Alisson], have seen me transition from a boy to a man.
‘The bonds and the brotherhood I’ve got with you guys will remain with me forever. I’ve got stories and memories I’ll be able to tell kids and grand kids. I wasn’t prepared for this, but I appreciate it, I appreciate all of you for everything.’
Arne Slot, who this week claimed he had been demanding more from the right-back in training, gave him a friendly embrace at full time and whispered a message in his ear.
Back in the dressing room, the champagne was popping and Alexander-Arnold danced with his team-mates like there was no tomorrow.
And it is true that, in Liverpool terms, there are few tomorrows left for him. But that matters less, now, for he will always have today.
