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Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has spoken candidly about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial switch to Real Madrid.

He admitted that the defender’s departure left club bosses feeling the same sting as many fans.

Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield caused a storm, especially after he spent two decades with the club.

While Liverpool managed to secure a £10 million fee to allow him to join Madrid early and play in the Club World Cup, the manner of the exit left many supporters frustrated.

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Werner explained that he personally thanked Alexander-Arnold for everything he contributed over the years.

He recalled meeting the right-back on the final weekend of the season to share his appreciation face to face.

“I told someone recently this story about seeing Trent on the last weekend of the season,” Werner told Liverpool Echo.

“I just wanted him to know from me personally we are and were as a club thankful for all his contributions.

It is time for him to move and time for us to replace him.”

While Werner expressed gratitude, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the disappointment of seeing such a homegrown talent leave.

“We were disappointed too, but it is overshadowed by my wonderful memories of him,” he said.

He highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s unforgettable corner to Divock Origi in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona as a moment that defined his brilliance.

Alexander-Arnold has wasted no time settling in Spain, even addressing Madrid fans in Spanish at his unveiling.

Though this sparked speculation about how long he planned the move, he insisted he only started learning the language recently.

As he embraces his new role under Xabi Alonso and adjusts to playing as a wing back, Liverpool’s chairman hopes the right-back finds success while Anfield begins a new era without him.

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