Liverpool, United Kingdom (AFP)— Trent Alexander-Arnold announced Monday he will leave boyhood club Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, saying it was the “hardest decision” of his life.

The England right-back who helped Liverpool win the Premier League this season, is out of contract at the end of June and is expected to join Real Madrid.

“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,” the 26-year-old posted on X.

“This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”

Liverpool’s Premier League success, sealed with a 5-1 win against Tottenham at Anfield last week, moved the Reds level with rivals Manchester United on a joint-record 20 English top-flight titles.

“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,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“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. My love for this club will never die.”

Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold was one of three high-profile Reds players whose deals were due to run out at the end of the season — a theme that provided a continuous backdrop to Arne Slot’s first campaign in charge.

Top-scorer Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk signed new deals in recent weeks but Alexander-Arnold has opted to leave.

The defender made his senior debut in 2016 and has made 352 appearances for the Reds to date, scoring 23 goals and lifting multiple trophies including the Champions League and two Premier League crowns.

– ‘Gratitude’ –

Liverpool thanked Alexander-Arnold, who joined the club as a six-year-old.

“Alexander-Arnold will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contribution during a sustained period of success,” the club said in a statement.

In the same statement, Alexander-Arnold said he had “loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams”.

But he said he wanted a fresh challenge.

“Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that,” he said.

Last month Van Dijk said Alexander-Arnold would be remembered for “a lot of good things” even if he decided to leave Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold’s mooted move to Real Madrid has split Liverpool fans and pundits, with some believing he should have stayed to become a one-club legend.

His status is reflected in a mural that stands just metres from the club’s Anfield stadium, emblazoned with the quote: “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true.”

Alexander-Arnold played in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Liverpool have three league fixtures left this season, giving Alexander-Arnold a chance to say a long goodbye.

Slot’s side will also take part in a parade through Liverpool with the Premier League trophy on May 26.