Virgil van Dijk issues blunt reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool exit - 'Me and Mo decided to stay

Virgil van Dijk has offered his offical reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave

Virgil van Dijk has described Trent Alexander-Arnold's development as incredible but failed to be drawn into discussion about the full-back's impending Anfield exit.

On Monday, the Reds academy graduate announced that would be leaving the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

The confirmation brings an end to the ongoing speculation about his future at the club.

There has been a focus throughout the campaign on the future of Alexander-Arnold, as well as Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk.

Both the two Liverpool veterans penned new two-year deals at Anfield last month, ending the season-long uncertainty surrounding their futures.

Alexander-Arnold had distanced himself from the contract speculation and speaking publicly about the matter.

Real Madrid have shown the strongest interest and all signals point to move to the Spanish giants as a free agent.

Van Dijk, however, failed to be dragged into the debate on Alexander-Arnold's decision and spoke highly of his progress at the club.

“Seeing him grow from the moment I joined the club, he was still a youngster but the quality that he had, the special ability, pass, crosses, assists, it's incredible,"

"Being a local guy made it very special.

"Everyone decides their own future, he decided it's time to move, me and Mo decided to stay for two years, that's the reality."

The Liverpool vice-captain admitted that he can understand the disappointment and frustration from Liverpool fans over his decision to leave the club.

In an interview with the official Liverpool website, the 26-year-old accepted that the move would be viewed as controversial as he outlined his desire to embark on a new challenge.

Trent

"Yes, 100 per cent [I understand],"

"I’ve been a fan of this club my whole life, it has given me the opportunity to go and do everything I’ve done, to achieve everything.

"So, I understand that.

"Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well.

"So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset.

"Obviously that went into the decision as well - it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people.

"But I’ve had to make a decision for myself, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time, but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight lifted.

“And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is."