Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool’s title party will not be spoiled by the news of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure at the end of the season.
The Reds right-back, who came through the Academy and has spent over 20 years at the club, confirmed last week that he will leave when his contract ends in June. He’s expected to join Real Madrid.
Trent made his first appearance since the announcement in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield — and while some fans showed him love, others booed his introduction off the bench.
Van Dijk, who will lift the Premier League trophy as captain at Anfield on May 25, admitted the squad will miss Trent but stressed the team are staying focused.
“We want to win two more games and after the final whistle, including him [Alexander-Arnold], lift the trophy up and celebrate like we have never done before,” the Dutchman told BBC Sport.
Asked whether Trent’s upcoming exit might take the shine off the big day, Van Dijk responded: “I don’t think so. It shouldn’t. There’s a lot more players that also deserve an amazing day.”
Andy Robertson also reacted to the boos from the stands, calling them “not nice” in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
Van Dijk, who recently signed a new two-year deal himself, said the squad must move forward.
“The [crowd] reaction happened,” he said. “He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well.
“I wasn’t really expecting something, to be honest, but I think maybe he expected this. It’s not easy, not at all. We’re here for him anyway.
“We are gutted that he’s not here with us next year because he’s a fantastic player with outstanding, exceptional qualities that we have seen over the last seven years.”
While Van Dijk and Mo Salah have both extended their stays at Anfield, the captain pointed out that Trent’s situation is different.
“Everyone shares different opinions, and he feels like he has done it all, and he did it, and he wants to try something different,” he said.
“You are speaking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, who he might go to, as I read in the media. I was sorting my own stuff out. I had to secure my future as well, and I was quite busy doing that.
“There were loads of other options, but Liverpool is the place for me.”
