Trent Alexander-Arnold lauds ‘special’ Liverpool moments but refuses to speak on future

LEICESTER – Trent Alexander-Arnold refused to quash speculation that he will leave Liverpool for Real Madrid at the end of the season, after scoring a 76th-minute winner in a 1-0 victory at Leicester City.

The England right-back’s strike on his return from a five-week injury layoff took the Reds to within one win of just a second English Premier League title in 35 years, while sending the Foxes down to the Championship on April 20.

Unlike Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who have signed new deals in recent weeks to prolong their stay at Anfield, there has been no movement on Alexander-Arnold extending his stay at his boyhood club.

“I’ve said all season, I’m not going to speak on my situation. I’m not going to go into details, but these days like today are always special,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports.

“Scoring goals, playing, winning games, being close to winning titles as well as being in title races. They’re special moments that will be with me forever and I’m glad to be a part of them.”

Liverpool’s previous title in the 2019-20 season was sealed when stadiums were shut to fans due to coronavirus restrictions.

Should Arsenal avoid defeat at home to Crystal Palace on April 23, Arne Slot’s men can secure the title in front of a full Anfield while hosting Tottenham Hotspur on April 27.

“It’s one win away now, and to do it, especially with fans here as well, is a very, very special moment,” added Alexander-Arnold.

“To be so close to sealing for some of us a second league title and for a lot of us a first league title, but especially in front of fans, which is what we’ve been missing, is very special.”

On the other side of the coin, Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said his future at the club needs to be sorted out soon as they plan for life back in the second tier.

The former Manchester United striker was appointed in late November after the club parted company with Steve Cooper, but he has struggled to turn around their fortunes, winning just two of his 20 Premier League games in charge.

The April 20 defeat was their ninth home league loss in a row without scoring – an English league record.

Van Nistelrooy said: “We have to use this time to get better. The club will continue and it is my job to put the club in the best place possible.”

Asked when he will know whether he is staying on, the Dutchman said: “I hope soon. The new season starts very soon and preparation needs to start to move forward. The sooner, the better.”

Definitely moving on is Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne.

Speaking ahead of their home Premier League clash with Aston Villa on April 22, the Belgian said he was surprised by City’s decision not to offer him a contract extension, describing it as a business-driven move.

The 33-year-old, whose deal expires in June, announced on social media earlier in April that he will be leaving at the end of the season after a decade at the club.

“It was half a week until I reported it out. It wasn’t nice. My family wasn’t home. They were on Easter holidays, so it was a bit weird but it is what it is,” de Bruyne said on April 19.

“I don’t feel like I want to share (the details) because it’s basically more business-wise for them, they just make decision based on that.”

“It was not really a long conversation, it was just what they told me and then there’s nothing. I have to accept the situation, even if I feel like I can still do a good job, but that’s it.”

De Bruyne has played 416 games for City, scoring 107 goals and providing 177 assists, including 120 in the Premier League – the second-most behind Ryan Giggs. He has made 23 league appearances this season in between fitness issues.

De Bruyne, who turns 34 in June, helped City win six Premier League titles and the Champions League after joining in 2015. AFP, REUTERS