Virgil Van Dijk said Liverpool players were “emptied” to learn Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club, but does not believe that his imminent departure will overshadow his Premier League title celebrations. Liverpool’s right back, 26, was welcomed with hooks of large sections of the Anfield crowd when he appeared as a substitute during the 2-2 draw on Sunday with Arsenal. It was his first match since he announced last week that he would leave his childhood club when his contract would expire at the end of June, with Real Madrid his expected destination. “We are emptied that he is not here with us next year because he is a fantastic player with exceptional exceptional qualities that we have seen in the past seven years,” said Captain Van Dijk.
“The reaction (of the crowd) occurred. He must face it. We, as a team, must also face it.
“I didn’t really expect something, to be honest, but I think maybe he was expecting it. It’s not easy, not at all. We are there for him anyway.”
Liverpool will be presented with the Premier League trophy on the last day of the season, after his home match against Crystal Palace in Anfield on May 25.
They will parade in the city on a bus open the next day.
Van Dijk said that players, who have concluded a 20th record high-flight title, were determined to celebrate in style, with Alexander-Arnold in the heart of it.
“We want to win two other games and after the final whistle, including him (Alexander-Arnold), lift the trophy and celebrate as we have never done before,” said the Dutch international.
When he was asked if the approach approaching the defender of England could eclipse the celebrations, he said: “I don’t think it should be. There are not many more players who also deserve an incredible day.”
Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah both signed new two -year contracts last month, but the skipper said that situations could not be compared.
“Everyone shares different opinions and has the impression of having done everything, and he did it, and he wants to try something different,” he said.
“You are talking about one of the biggest clubs of all in Real Madrid, to whom he could go by reading in the media.
“I sort my own things. I also had to secure my future and I was quite busy doing this.
“There were many other options, but Liverpool is the ideal place for me.”
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