Mohamed Salah brought a sincere tribute to Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool star confirmed that he would leave at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold said fans that it was the “most difficult decision of his life” to leave, but that he wanted to “push himself professionally and personally.”
It brought clarity in a long -term saga about his expiring contract and all signs indicate that he is joining Real Madrid and joins his good friend Jude Bellingham.
He received a mixed response from Reds -fans, with many who are grateful to 20 years of service, while others throw him as a traitor to leave a free.
Alexander-Arnold leaves with eight trophies to his name and as demonstrably the best right back in world football, with the aim of winning the Ballon d'Or.
And Salah left no doubt about his feelings, writing on X: 'It was a pleasure to share a special friendship with you and play next to you.
“I wish you the best and I am sure we will meet again.”
The attacker shared a compilation of photos of those who played and celebrate over the years.
Fans of Liverpool will hope that his prediction that they will meet again will not take place in the form of a defeat against Real Madrid, who have a history of eradicating players of them.
The final defeats of the Champions League in 2018 and 2022 have only increased the resentment compared to the Spanish giants.
In a statement on social media, Alexander-Arnold wrote: '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. This is easily 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.”
It puts an end to the long-term saga that dominated debates this season, in which the 26-year-old did not discuss his future out of respect for Liverpool, because he did not want it to be played in public.
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.
Fans have received Alexander-Arnold with heat despite all the noise about his future this season, but it will be intriguing to see how Anfield responds on Sunday when Liverpool Arsenal is host in what his penultimate home game will be.