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After months – years, even – of speculation, Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announced his decision to leave Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold promised he’d be back at Anfield whenever the opportunity arose, but it will not be as a Liverpool player.

Although an official declaration is yet to arrive, the right-back is heading to Real Madrid, where he’ll partner up with best friend and England colleague Jude Bellingham.

But as news of Alexander-Arnold’s departure ignites fury within the fanbase, Arne Slot and the Liverpool squad have reacted rather differently.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Although his exit has been on the cards for a while now, Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool is still enormous news.

Anger is the underlying emotion from supporters, who are extremely disappointed at the manner in which the 26-year-old has engineered a free transfer away from his boyhood club.

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But according to a report from The Times, Slot and Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool teammates are more understanding of the situation.

They claim that Alexander-Arnold told the Liverpool head coach of his intention to leave during the March international break.

READ MORE: Michael Owen says Arne Slot could have a big advantage in the transfer market as players prepare to ‘walk to Liverpool’

The Scouser is reported to have told Slot face-to-face that his decision to leave was nothing personal against the Dutchman, more just a personal decision.

Slot is said to have been ‘supportive’ of Alexander-Arnold’s call, while there is also claimed to be ‘understanding’ within the dressing room.

The Athletic go further in their report on the interaction between Alexander-Arnold and Slot, going as far as publishing what was said by the two men in their March meeting.

“You’re a huge part of this team and let’s end it on a high together,” the 46-year-old is claimed to have said, while expressing both respect and disappointment over the outcome.

“My mindset and commitment won’t change.

I’ll continue to give everything for this club until the final day,” Alexander-Arnold is reported to have replied.

Although the defender has kept up his end of the bargain in that respect, it’s fair to say that the ‘final day’ should not have come around so soon.

Alexander-Arnold was set up to be a Liverpool legend.

Instead, he will leave under a cloud as simply another player to have worn the famous red with distinction.