Earlier this week, Trent Alexander-Arnold posted an emotional video announcing his departure from Liverpool as a free agent at the end of the current season. While all reports suggest that he has already signed his new contract with Real Madrid, the English full-back has yet to speak publicly about it. However, Arne Slot made a statement in a press conference that virtually confirms the transfer.

Slot shows his disappointment with Alexander-Arnold

Since Liverpool are not involved in European competitions, no club member had addressed the media to comment on the announcement made by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Therefore, ahead of the match against Arsenal, Arne Slot had to face a barrage of questions during the press conference and shared his thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.

Like all Liverpool fans, Arne Slot did not hide his disappointment with the decision Trent Alexander-Arnold ultimately made. “We’re disappointed that he’s leaving, not just because he’s a great human being, but also because we’re losing a very good right-back.” Alexander-Arnold, let’s remember, holds the record for most assists by a defender in a single Premier League season, with a total of 13.

“We both know where he’s going”

In this regard, Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced a lot of criticism in recent days... and it doesn’t seem like he’ll get a legendary farewell from Anfield. However, Slot also wanted to defend how Trent has handled things: “Trent is also the first to say he’d prefer that, as a team and as a club, we not get too distracted by this announcement. So I hope that all the energy on Sunday is focused on the players and the support of our fans, and as little as possible on Trent.”

The most interesting moment, however, came when Slot was asked about the possibility of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid: “He hasn’t said anything about it himself. Only that he’s leaving. So for me it’s impossible to comment on which club he’s going to or whether they’ll play in the Club World Cup. But you can tell from my smile that we both know where he’s going, but I can’t say any more.”