Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

On Monday, the 26-year-old full-back broke the news that he would be leaving his childhood team, with a move to Real Madrid on the horizon after the Spanish giants reached out for his signature.

Alexander-Arnold, who started his senior Liverpool tenure back in October 2016, labeled walking away from the club he's called home for over 20 years as "easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life".

Nonetheless, the England international maintains that seeking a fresh challenge and pushing beyond his comfort zone necessitated this tough call.

Taking to social media to shed light on his departure, Alexander-Arnold said: "After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.

Read More.

"This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life.

"I know many of you have wondered why or have been frustrated that I haven't spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team's best interests, which was securing No.20.

"This club has been my whole life - my whole world - for 20 years.

"From the academy, right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever.

Show your support for Liverpool with apparel from Fanatics

The digital sports platform has this Liverpool Nike 2024/25 Home Custom Replica Jersey, a Mohamed Salah Liverpool Nike 2024/25 Third Replica Jersey, and more merchandise for Liverpool fans

"I've been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I've been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.

"My love for this club will never die."

Since going public with his statements, Alexander-Arnold has received an overwhelming show of support from Liverpool players past and present, including Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate.

And by Tuesday afternoon, Van Dijk was seen sharing his goodwill too, leaving behind an enthusiastic hand-clapping and heart emoji on the defender's Instagram post.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story