Arne Slot has spoken for the first time since Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
On Monday morning, Alexander-Arnold confirmed his decision to leave the red- after having spent 20 years in the club- on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The English international is expected to complete a move to the Spanish giants Real Madrid, with whom he is constantly connected to his contract disputes.
Mail Sport was the first English newspaper that reported that Madrid was sure that he secured Alexander-Arnold in December and not much has changed along the way.
And, speaking in his press conference before the match prior to the collision of Liverpool with Arsenal on Sunday, Slot was questioned about the departure of the defender.
“I think that like everyone else who likes Liverpool and who is a fan of Liverpool, we are disappointed that he is leaving because not only a good person leaves the club, but a very good full back leaves us,” he said.
'But I also worked at clubs such as AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, where several very good players have left the club every season, so I am a little more used to players who might leave the club.
“And by the way, the experience I have – and this club too – that goes away as a very good player, will perform the next very good player and that is probably what will happen now.”
In a statement on social media that confirm his exit, Alexander-Arnold had written: '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 to this, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the best interests of the team, which secured 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. '
More to follow