Ian Wright sends Trent Alexander-Arnold 21-word message after Liverpool announcement

Arsenal icon Ian Wright has sent a heartfelt message to Trent Alexander-Arnold after the defender announced he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid and confirmed on Monday morning that the decision to leave the Reds was "the hardest decision" he has ever had to make. The England international joined the Liverpool academy at the age of six and has made more than 350 appearances for the first team. In that time, he has scored 23 goals and lifted eight major honours, including this season's Premier League.

"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. This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life," Alexander-Arnold said in a statement.

"I know many of you have wondered why or 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. I will forever be in debt to you all.

"But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally. I've given my all every single day I've been at this club, and I hope you feel like I've given back to you during my time here.

"From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters - for the last 20 years. 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."

Arsenal legend Wright was among those to send a message to the Liverpool man on Instagram following the announcement. Wright commented on Instagram: "Written yourself into the history of your childhood club. Beautiful. All the best, wishing you and your family nothing but success."

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also commented: "What a journey! Thank you for everything! Everyone knows what the club means to you and your legacy will live forever. The scouser in our team!! Good luck with the next chapter! We will all be supporting you..."

Alexander-Arnold will play three final games for his boyhood club before departing. The Reds face Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace before the Premier League season ends at the end of the month.

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