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Van Dijk says Liverpool will have to move on from Alexander-Arnold's exit(Image: Getty Images)

The noise around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit has been tough to handle, admits Virgil van Dijk, but he’s adamant that Liverpool life must go on.

Having been booed by home fans two weeks prior, Alexander-Arnold received a rousing reception when he came on at half-time against Crystal Palace for his final Reds appearance before a free transfer move to Real Madrid.

The homegrown full-back then burst into tears during the title celebrations, but Van Dijk - whose own future was up in the air for much of the season before signing a two-year contract - says the club remains bigger than any individual.

“I won't say it's a sad situation, but obviously it's not a great situation for anyone,” said Van Dijk of the England international’s departure.

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“We all wanted Trent to stay, because you see the quality that he brings to the team.

Like the club has been dealing with certain situations like that in the past.

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“But obviously I think everyone understood that the message was all about celebrating, I'm glad that he got the farewell that he deserved as well, for everything he's done on the pitch.”

Alexander-Arnold cut an emotional figure after the match(Image: Getty Images/Getty Images For Th)

Meanwhile, Van Dijk will give himself two more days to celebrate Liverpool’s title success - then he’s straight back to work.

The Reds skipper will take centre stage at today’s open top bus parade, but he’ll soon be off on international duty with Holland for World Cup qualifiers.

“We are the champions, well deserved champions,” he said.

Then after that we’re completely focused on how we're going to attack next season.

When asked how long his party will last, Van Dijk said: “Probably Thursday.

I'll meet up on Tuesday with the national team, so I'll give myself plenty of time to recover.

Van Dijk says Liverpool will be ready to go again next season(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“We have to take some time and digest this because these things don't happen often.

So I'm a really big believer in taking your time with it.

Liverpool’s parade will draw hundreds of thousands of fans to the streets to celebrate, but Van Dijk says work is already underway to strengthen for next season amid links to German superstar Florian Wirtz.

“This has to give you motivation, the fuel, that hunger to try and do it again,” he said.

“I think it's the hardest thing to do to retain a title.

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