Trent Alexander-Arnold thought he needed a “new challenge” while he prepares to leave Liverpool.
The full-back, which has delivered more Premier League assists than any other defender in the history of the competition, will leave the Reds at the end of the season.
Although speculation has been mounted for months on the future of Alexander-Arnold, with a free transfer to Real Madrid apparently probably, the news was only confirmed on Monday.
Alexander-Arnold explained that he is ready for a “change”, after achieving everything he wanted to achieve with Liverpool since his breakthrough in the first team in 2016.
“I think in the first place, I want to say that it is not an easy decision and there is a lot of thinking and feeling that it went in,” said the 26-year-old.
“I have been here for 20 years now, loved every minute, reached all my dreams, [and] achieved everything I ever wanted here.
“Everything day in, day out, for 20 years, I now have the feeling that I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think it is now the right time for me to do that.”
Alexander-Arnold now only has three games left as a Liverpool player, with the team of Arne Slot-Die on Sunday 3-1 lost to Chelsea-Die already secure the Premier League title.
His last game at Anfield will come as a Reds player when Liverpool Crystal Palace takes on to end their season.
“There is a lot that I would like to say. The most important thing is a huge thank you. You have been there with me from the start, you have supported me, there have been,” he added.
“I have felt the support, love, everything you have done, has never unnoticed by me, I enjoyed it every minute. I hope they have felt that it was answered and that I gave everything I could go to the club.
'I just hope we can continue to win games, the sound [around my decision] Does not take the fact of what we have achieved this season.
“It has been a great season. It was great to be part of it and I only hope that everyone is able to not be thinking about this news for too long and to be able to celebrate what the rest of the boys did.”
Leighton Baines (85) is the only player who has more target contributions with defenders in the Premier League than Alexander-Arnold (82).
Liverpool added to their statement that Alexander-Arnold would deviate from their gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a long-term period of success.