Trent Alexander-Arnold trusted in friends that he does not remember that he played in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United in January, according to a report.
The stalemate came just a few days after Real Madrid had made a bid for the defender, with many who believed that he was on his way to the Bernabeu at the end of the campaign. Although that still has to be confirmed, the 26-year-old has now announced that he will leave his boy's club when his contract ends at the end of the term.
The performance of Alexander-Arnold is largely not influenced by unbridled speculation in the future, with the only exception during the Reds match against Bitter Rivals United in Anfield earlier this year.
The defender underwent a scorching evening, took a barrage of abuse of fans in the stadium and much more on social media. He was beaten for 'Schoolboy Defending' by Roy Keane and Arne Slot was forced to make suggestions that Madrid -Links influenced his display.
According to the Telegraph, the bid of the LaLiga side had an in -depth influence on the defender that evening and his head climbed to the extent that he does not remember the events of the game.
The outlet also reveals that Reds sports director Richard Hughes was the first to check Alexander-Arnold and that gesture 'Much meant' for the defender.
The £ 20 million offer from Madrid brought shock waves by Anfield and even led to Reds legend Jamie Carragher who suggested that Alexander-Arnold or his representatives had encouraged the approach.
“They are bullies, Real Madrid. My problem with it is that they offered them on the back of Trent Alexander-Arnold or his agent who says to “bring in an offer,” he said on Sky Sports. “Because they wouldn't make an offer, they wouldn't do it unless they get it.”
The defender finally ended months of speculation during his future on Monday morning, when he issued a statement on social media in which he announced his decision to leave his boys' club.
“After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club it is now time for me to confirm that I will leave at the end of the season,” he wrote. 'This is easy to make the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life.
'I know that many of you have wondered why or frustrated that I have not yet spoken about this, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the best interests of the team that was no. 20.
'This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. From the academy to date, the support and love that I have felt of everyone inside and outside the club will stay with me forever. I will have debts for all of you.
'But I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, getting myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.
'I gave everything every day I have been to this club and I hope you feel that I gave you back here during my time. From the ground of my heart I thank everyone – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – over the past 20 years.
'I am blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never consider the special moments for granted that I was lucky to have experienced with you all. My love for this club will never die '.
In the meantime, Liverpool wrote in a club statement on their website: 'The 26-year-old will bring his two decades-long associations to an end to the Reds after he had taken the decision to leave Anfield as soon as his deal ends on June 30, 2025.
“Alexander-Arnold will leave with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a long-term period of success.”
Mail Sport was the first English newspaper that reported that Real Madrid was convinced that he was already securing Alexander-Arnold in December and not much has changed along the way.
It is understood that the contract is not yet officially signed, but will soon be with the international of England to join his good friend and three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital.