'We did everything we could' - Arne Slot insists Liverpool put up serious fight to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold but says fans must 'accept' right-back's decision to move to Real Madrid

Slot urged Liverpool fans to accept the decision made by their vice-captain and boyhood fan, saying that he simply wanted to experience a new challenge and the club could do nothing more to convince him to stay, after he announced his departure earlier this week.

Alexander-Arnold has been with the Reds for over 20 years, winning everything from two Premier League titles to the Champions League and the Club World Cup. But speculation has been building for months that he may decide to move on when his contract expires - something he confirmed on social media earlier this week.

Dutchman Slot also spoke of the outstanding credentials of 21-year-old Conor Bradley as Alexander-Arnold's successor at right-back, suggesting that Liverpool are in safe hands with the Northern Irish international sprinting up and down the flank.

Slot said: "Trent is not the first and won’t be the last to leave a special club. We did everything we could to keep him and then we have to accept his decision.

"You can maybe understand he wants a new challenge because, if he is so many years in the same league, some players want to experience something else.

"It is a disappointment for the fans, team-mates and for me he is leaving. We are going to miss a very good human being and a very, very, very good full back.  

"Conor (Bradley) has such an intense playing style. They all run a lot but Conor is in his own league when it comes to running a lot! He needs time and a programme to keep him fit."

Liverpool face long-time nearest title challengers Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, before the season will conclude with a first Premier League trophy for Slot and a second for Alexander-Arnold. The 26-year-old is then expected to join up with close friend Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid when his contract expires on June 30, or even before that if Madrid have their way.