Topics: Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid, Arsenal
The reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool fans was damning after he made his first appearance at Anfield since announcing his departure from the club.
At the start of the week, Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be leaving his boyhood club for a new challenge when his contract expires this summer.
In the first game since the news, the England international was named on the bench for the clash with Arsenal on Sunday and then entered the fray in the 67th minute.
But Liverpool fans made their feelings clear on Alexander-Arnold's decision by singing about local lad turned legend Steven Gerrard, as well as chanting, 'There's only one Conor Bradley' in a show of support for their Northern Irish right-back who he replaced.
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The departing defender was loudly booed when he ran onto the pitch and fans had the same reaction whenever he touched the ball in the early moments.
The 26-year-old looked a little uncomfortable with the reception he received and ended up playing Mikel Merino onside for Arsenal's leveller in a difficult period.
After rumours swirled that he was set to move on throughout the season, Alexander-Arnold made the announcement a day on from the defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Accompanied by a video message, his statement read: "After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.
"This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
"I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.
"This club has been my whole life - my whole world - for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all."
Alexander-Arnold applauded the supporters afterwards for the penultimate time, with his Anfield swansong coming against Crystal Palace on 25 May.
Alexander-Arnold will end a 20-year association with Liverpool, having joined at the age of six and gone on to play more than 350 times, scoring 23 goals and assisting 92 whilst winning the Premier League twice, as well as the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
