Van Dijk insists Alexander-Arnold exit won’t overshadow title party

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool’s title celebrations won’t be dampened by the departure of full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 26-year-old Scouser confirmed final week that he’ll depart Anfield when his contract ends in June, with a transfer to Actual Madrid extensively anticipated.

He returned to motion off the bench throughout Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, the place his look was met by a mix of boos and applause.

Van Dijk, who will raise the Premier League trophy as Liverpool captain this season, admitted the squad are disillusioned to lose such a key participant however is decided the exit received’t forged a shadow over the end-of-season festivities.

“We need to win two extra video games and after the ultimate whistle, together with him [Alexander-Arnold], raise the trophy up and have fun like we’ve by no means completed earlier than,” the Dutch defender mentioned by way of BBC Sport.

An open-top bus parade is scheduled within the metropolis the day after our ultimate league fixture towards Crystal Palace on Sunday 25 Might, the place supporters will be capable to salute our record-equalling twentieth English league title.

When requested if Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure might dampen the event, Van Dijk replied: “I don’t assume so. It shouldn’t. There’s much more gamers that additionally deserve a tremendous day.”

Reflecting on the boos directed at his team-mate, Van Dijk added: “The [crowd] response occurred. He has to cope with it. We as a group should cope with that as properly.

“I wasn’t actually anticipating one thing, to be sincere, however I feel possibly he anticipated this. It’s not simple, under no circumstances. We’re right here for him anyway.

“We’re gutted that he’s not right here with us subsequent yr as a result of he’s a incredible participant with excellent, distinctive qualities that we’ve seen during the last seven years.”

It appears clear that the squad have been upset to see and listen to the response for our No.66 and with our head coach being compelled to deal with whether or not he’ll ever play for the Reds once more, it appears clear that his teammates need him on the pitch.

Virgil van Dijk has spoken in help of Alexander-Arnold

Van Dijk, who not too long ago signed a two-year extension at Anfield, harassed that his personal state of affairs — and that of Mo Salah, who additionally prolonged his contract — can’t be in comparison with Alexander-Arnold’s.

“Everybody shares totally different opinions and he seems like he has completed all of it, and he did it, and he desires to attempt one thing totally different,” he defined.

“You’re talking about one of many greatest golf equipment of all in Actual Madrid, who he would possibly go to as I learn within the media.

“I used to be sorting my very own stuff out. I needed to safe my future as properly and I used to be fairly busy doing that.

“There have been a great deal of different choices, however Liverpool is the place for me.”

As a lot as this was an try from the defender to take criticism away from the England worldwide, the truth that he turned down many suitors to stay a Purple simply exhibits the loyalty our No.4 possesses.

While the 33-year-old is dedicated to the membership and is waiting for the summer time switch window, the Scouser has determined to show his again on his metropolis.

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