Virgil van Dijk's true thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold as training footage emerges

Virgil van Dijk thanked ‘from the bottom of his heart’ in a heartwarming farewell speech. The defender is set to depart this summer having

His next club has yet to be announced, but the Reds have made sure to give their academy graduate a fond goodbye. And that continued in their final training session of the season, with giving a speech.

Speaking to the outgoing Alexander-Arnold, the Dutch centre-back said: “Right Trent, we all knew this day was coming. The boys, I would like to speak for everyone here, we want to thank you for all that you’ve done in your time at Liverpool, the success that we had.

“The good moments together on and off the pitch. We’re all definitely going to miss you. An outstanding player, a very good human being.

“We wish you well and listen, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything that you’ve done here. All the best. We have a little something for you.”

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After being handed over a framed Liverpool shirt donning his number as a present, He added: "I'm just eternally grateful for everything that I've been given.

"We all dream of these moments but, for me, it feels even more special because I've been here 20 years. It's an amazing chapter of my life - it's been my whole life - it's been everything I've ever worked for - dreamt for.

"To share it with you guys and create these bonds, a lot of the lads, especially these guys here [Van Dijk, , Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker], have seen me transition from a boy to a man. The bonds and the brotherhood I've got with you guys will remain with me forever.

Who should Liverpool sign this summer?

"I've got stories and memories I'll be able to tell kids and grandkids. I wasn't prepared for this, but I appreciate it, I appreciate all of you for everything."

Alexander-Arnold is widely expected to be announced as a player over the coming weeks. The Spanish side have been chasing his services for months, and are still attempting to sign him early so he can play in this summer’s Club World Cup. The tournament gets underway on June 15, albeit Alexander-Arnold’s contract does not expire until the end of the month.

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