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Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge.(Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise believes the squad are divided over Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave.

The incident sparked wide-ranging debate surrounding whether he should be involved in the final two matches of the Premier League campaign and if the jeers were warranted after his service to the Reds.

Liverpool have moved to solidify their options at right full-back, as Conor Bradley signed a new four-year deal at Anfield, as well as closing in on Bundesliga-winner Jeremie Frimpong.



READ MORE:Why Trent Alexander-Arnold 'Summer of 66' party was held at Liverpool training groundREAD MORE:Kevin De Bruyne drops transfer hint after Mohamed Salah tells him to join Liverpool

It is expected that Alexander-Arnold will sign for Real Madrid, who are already pushing to lure the England international out of his contract at Anfield in order to feature in the Club World Cup.

Riise felt that the Liverpool defender should be remembered for what he has achieved at his boyhood club, but could have handled his exit differently.

"People cannot forget what he’s done, it shows how Liverpool is different because there are so many emotions going around in the club and the fans," he exclusively told the ECHO.

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"I’m not going to tell anyone how to feel or how to do but at the end of the day, respect what he’s done for the club, he’s given his all his whole career, won every trophy and been an unbelievable right-back.

"For him to want another challenge, I completely understand, if it’s the right thing to do, I don’t know but he wants to challenge himself.

"The only thing I would say is that he could’ve done things differently, been more open about it earlier.

Although, it’s nice to know that he did after the league was won and not to be a disturbance.

"Am I surprised he’s leaving?

Yes, because he’s at the club who have won the league and he’s a local boy.

"I think the squad is quite divided over Trent’s decision, some players will think, ‘why do you want to leave the club, a regular here, loved and winning trophies?’ but at the same time, sometimes you need a new challenge and take the next step for yourself.

"Maybe he needs that change.

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"To some players, Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, it would be an honour to play for them, I think it’s quite divided between the players in the dressing room but everyone wishes him good luck and thanks him for what he’s done for the club."

The Miracle of Istanbul: Liverpool 2005 premieres on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ on Sunday 25 May at 21:45.


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