Trent Alexander-Arnold makes FSG claim and explains Liverpool exit decision - 'I am not going to say'

Trent

Trent Alexander-Arnold paid tribute to Fenway Sports Group at his Real Madrid unveiling, thanking the Liverpool owners for their support after he made clear his intention to leave Anfield.

The 26-year-old moved to the Spanish capital earlier this month after the La Liga giants paid £10m to release him from his Reds contract a month early so he could feature for los Blancos at the Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday in the United States.

The nature of Alexander-Arnold’s move was a controversial one that divided opinion among the club’s worldwide fanbase and he was loudly booed when he emerged as a second-half substitute in last month’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

At his official press conference in Madrid on Thursday, the England international saluted his boyhood club for how they handled his end-of-season exit, revealing supportive conversations with Boston-based FSG, who were on Merseyside to see Arne Slot’s side lift the Premier League title on May 25.

Trent

“I don't think wanting to win the Ballon d’Or influenced my decision to come here at all to be honest,”

“You’re joining a team like this, with the team-mates that I’ve got, it's going to be hard to win it with these superstars, but it's exciting.”

“These are the kind of players I want to play with, I've admired these, played against them, I know how good they are, so to be a part of this team, playing with them rather than against them will be good.

“Such a contrast of emotions, of course, different ends of the scale. Being at Liverpool for so long and experiencing everything what I did and what I had was incredible and knowing it was coming to an end and it was always going to be emotional for me.

“But I went out in a way I was happy about, the send-off I got, the way the club treated me, the way the fans were as well was outstanding, I couldn't say a bad word.

“Speaking to the players, the manager, the owners, they were all incredible as well and showed amazing support and were a huge help.

“We had an amazing conversation in the last couple of days with the owners, they were very warm and welcoming and thanked me for everything I gave in service to the club.”

“They wished me well on my future journey and what I wanted to do and said I am always welcome back at the club at any point. So to have those words spoken was amazing. Sent off in the perfect way.

"Now to be here facing a new challenge, a new journey is very exciting. I am over the moon here and something not a lot of players experience. So I am very lucky.”

Alexander-Arnold continued:

“I mean, to be honest, it was never a question of where - it was always whether to go or not.

“I always knew, for me, I have probably known for a long time is that if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be for Real Madrid.

“They are the only club for me and then it gets to a point where you have to make a decision to go or stay.

“It wasn't easy, I am not going to say it was, I had been there so long and a part of it but eventually you have to make a decision and I have made the right one in my mind and I am excited about.”