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      Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs Inter

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      AN injured Barcelona star failed to keep their identity hidden as they took a commercial flight to the Inter Milan clash with fans.The first leg of the tie ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, but Barca boss Hansi Flick was left without a host of stars through injury for the second leg at the San Siro.Jules Kounde was spotted by fans on a commercial flight to Milan ahead of Barcelona vs InterKounde suffered a hamstring injury in the first legCredit: RexHowever, one of these names made sure they would not miss the chance to support their team-mates, Jules Kounde.The Frenchman suffered a distal hamstring injury in the first leg of the clash against Inter, just days after he scored an extra-time winner in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.And ahead of his sides do-or-die semi-final match in Italy, Kounde caught a commercial flight from Barcelona to Milan alongside supporters to make sure he was present to watch on. Kounde attempted to keep his identity hidden by wearing a hood and sunglasses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his outfit failed as he was recognised by travelling Blaugrana supporters.He was greeted by cheers as he retrieved his bag from the overhead storage, to which he eventually responded with a wide smile and tapping his hand to his chest.In the absence of the 26-year-old, Flick selected former Manchester City defender Eric Garcia to play there.Before his injury, Kounde had missed just one game for Barca this season – when Flick left him out for the win over Mallorca before the Copa del Rey final.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe joined the club in 2022 in a €50m (£41.85m) deal from Sevilla.Despite predominantly playing at CB for his old club, he has mostly played right-back at Barcelona.Barcelona coach SMASHES IPAD in fury as he appeals for penalty in La Liga clashHe has scored seven goals and added 18 assists in 141 games. More

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      Florian Wirtz ‘tells Xabi Alonso he won’t move to Real Madrid or Man City as he picks next club’

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      FLORIAN WIRTZ has reportedly picked his next club and it is not good news for two European giants.The German wizkid is one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, having starred at Bayer Leverkusen.Florian Wirtz has reportedly chosen his next clubCredit: APHe has had interest from the likes of Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has been tipped with moves to the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.Reports in Germany claim that he has his heart set on a move elsewhere.Bild have reported that the attacking midfielder has told Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso his desired destination.Wirtz is said to “only want a move” to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report has added that Wirtz’s family have reached a “fundamental agreement” with Bayern during “numerous talks”.It is not clear when a transfer to the Allianz Arena will take place as his contract runs until 2027.Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has previously insisted that Wirtz will not be sold on the cheap.During an interview with Radio Marca in April, he stated that a deal would cost “at least €150million” (£127m).Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe interest from Real Madrid and Man City was apparently not reciprocated as they were not a “serious option” for the midfielder.The conversation with Alonso would have been a blow as he is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid bossIt had been thought that the former Liverpool star would have wanted to bring the German with him to Spain.Wirtz has continued to impress in Germany this season.He has scored ten and assisted ten goals in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga campaign.The midfielder also impressed with six goals in nine Champions League outings.He was a crucial cog in the club’s efforts as they won the Bundesliga title last season without losing a single game. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from Currys and Popworld’ after quitting Liverpool for Real Madrid in free transfer

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has been “banned” from two major venues in Liverpool.It comes after he announced he would be leaving Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.Trent Alexander Arnold announced he is leaving LiverpoolCredit: X @TrentAAPopworld in Liverpool announced he had been ‘barred’ from enteringCredit: GoogleCurrys jumped on the bandwagon to announce he was banned from all Liverpool storesCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold is ending a 20-year association with the Reds after breaking through the academy and helping the club win a host of major honours, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.The 26-year-old called it “easily the hardest decision of my life”, with widespread reports suggesting he will be joining Real Madrid to link up with pal Jude Bellingham.However, in their own announcement, Liverpool FC issued a blunt statement about his exit and clearly indicated that the defender leaving was his own decision rather than one backed by the club.And the controversial decision prompted some disgruntled venues in the city to take extreme measures… with cheeky posts on social media declaring he was banned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first of these was entertainment venue, Popworld Liverpool, who simply posted on social media: “Barred @TrentAA.”The official Currys X account then weighed in by sharing a video of a staff member walking up to the window, where a poster with a photo of Alexander-Arnold was visible with the caption: “Banned. Please do not enter.”The electrical goods retailer added the caption: “Banned from all Currys stores in Liverpool.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Companies of culture.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA second said: “I rate this.”A third added: “Hahahaha! I’m here for the pettiness!”Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolAnother said: “Love this.”Reports have indicated Alexander-Arnold told the club and manager Arne Slot he would be leaving in March.Alexander-Arnold’s emotional statement saw him say: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.”This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.”But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.”From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my teammates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.”I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.”My love for this club will never die.”Read More on The SunShould his expected transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid happen, he will be only the seventh Englishman to star for the Bernabeu outfit.This includes ex-Liverpool players Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, who like Alexander-Arnold, quit Anfield for Madrid.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

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      World’s most unlucky footballer is relegated from LaLiga for the FOURTH year in a row

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      A FOOTBALLER has been dubbed the “world’s most unlucky player” after a horror run of relegations.Darwin Machis set an unwanted LaLiga record as Real Valladolid’s demotion to the second tier was confirmed.Darwin Machis has been relegated four times in a rowCredit: GettyMachis has gone down with Granada, Cadiz and Valladolid twiceCredit: GettyThe 32-year-old winger has now suffered relegation an unfortunate four seasons in a row.Machis’ disastrous spell began when he was part of the Granada side that went down by one point in 2022.The Venezuelan did not hang around in the Segunda Division and earned a transfer back to the top-flight with Valladolid.But the Pucela, who are owned by Brazil icon Ronaldo, also went down by a single point in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite a worrying theme developing, another LaLiga side in Cadiz picked him up on loan.And you guessed it, they were relegated in 18th place with Machis’ four goals not enough to save them.Meanwhile, his parent club Valldolid immediately bounced back to LaLiga by winning promotion.And they chose to ignore the “curse” and keep Machis in their squad for this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Valldolid have had a woeful campaign and are going straight back to the Segunda Division.They have conceded a whopping 83 goals and have picked up a poor 16 points from 34 games.’This is so impressive’ – Fans amazed as Oli McBurnie speaks in flawless Spanish just months after joining LaLigaMachis has featured 17 times, with zero goals and one assist to his name.Fans could not believe how unlucky the 52-time capped international is, with one saying: “He is cursed.”Another joked: “He should just go to United and finish them completely.”More commented: “Where is he headed this summer then?”Two of Machis’ relegations came via a single pointCredit: Getty More

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      Freak moment ball ‘magically’ spins away from goal as Real Madrid survive scare in win over Celta Vigo

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      REAL MADRID were the beneficiaries of some serious good fortune after an extraordinary incident in their game against Celta Vigo.Los Blancos defeated Celta 3-2 in a tight affair at the Bernabeu on Sunday to keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona. Courtois watches on in horror as the ball squirms beyond him, but then spins back into his pathMbappe was on the scoresheet as Madrid kept themselves in title contentionCredit: GettyReal trail Barca by four points in the La Liga title race with three games to play. Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe’s double had Carlo Ancelotti’s side 3-0 up and cruising inside 48 minutes, but Javi Rodriguez and Williot Svandberg struck for Celta to set up a grandstand finale. In the 79th minute, it was the visitors pushing hard for an equaliser that would have completed a superb comeback, as they look to bag a Europa League spot.Iago Aspas, the former Liverpool forward, slid an incisive ball through for Pablo Duran to chase, with the Spaniard clean through on goal. READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWSHe bore down on Real ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois, with Madrid’s makeshift centre-half Aurelien Tchouameni in tow. Duran’s effort seemed to squeeze through the Belgian shot-stopper, heading over the line.But the spin on the ball meant that it changed direction and nestled into Courtois’ grateful clasp.The Madrid goalkeeper looked mightily relieved to jump onto the loose ball, and Madrid survived an incredibly close shave. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans on social media called the incident “black magic”, while another said that “the entire Bernabeu was blowing at once” in an attempt to keep the ball out of the home net. Earlier in the game, Guler curled home a stunner in the 33rd minute to open the scoring, before Mbappe doubled the advantage just six minutes later. ‘Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewThe Frenchman rifled an effort from outside the box into the far corner, beyond the desperate reach of visiting ‘keeper Vicente Guaita.Mbappe raced onto Federico Valverde’s defence-splitting pass to make it three with the second half just three minutes old, confidently finishing into the corner with his left foot to score his 24th league goal of his debut season. Rodriguez benefited from a penalty box melee with 21 minutes to play, as he scrambled in Vigo’s first. Svandberg latched onto a sensational reverse pass from Aspas to ghost in behind the Madrid backline and slot beyond Courtois to haul the away side right back into contention. However, they would leave the capital frustrated, with Duran’s extraordinary chance one to rue. More

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      Moment Ronaldo staggers out of restaurant and is helped into car under sheet with his football club’s fans left fuming

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      RONALDO stumbled out of a restaurant before being bundled undercover into a waiting car, leaving fans of his relegated Spanish club furious.The legendary Brazil striker looked unsteady on his feet and appeared to slur his words as he left the Madrid eatery while fans waiting outside shouted his name.Ronaldo staggered out of a Madrid restaurantCredit: instagramFans were furious as it comes against the backdrop of Real Valladolid’s relegationCredit: instagramHe was shielded by a white sheet and bundled into a carCredit: instagramInstead of signing autographs, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 48, made a beeline for a chauffeur-driven vehicle parked outside.He was helped to the car under a white sheet then covered his face with his hand as he took a breather slumped on the back seat.The star’s striking exit sparked a backlash among Real Valladolid fans.They have made owner Ronaldo public enemy No1 after his failure to show his face at the team’s home stadium since the opening match of the season last August.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Valladolid Supporters Club Federation demanded Ronaldo – who watched Jack Draper in the Madrid Open tennis final on Sunday – sells the club following his weekend antics.They wrote on X, accompanying the footage from the restaurant: “This is the current president and maximum shareholder of Real Valladolid.“This video, apparently taken yesterday on the day the club he owns made history by losing eight consecutive matches for the first time in its almost 100 years of history, is doing the rounds on social media.“This is his legacy and what he cares about.Most read in Football“Let his image be seen around the world, our Real Valladolid is not dying, it is being killed and every day that goes by without a sale, the deeper the hole gets.”Leading local newspaper Diario de Valladolid said: “Ronaldo spotted in a bad way at the exit of a restaurant in Madrid.Ronaldo reveals cult hero Real Madrid team-mate was ‘very bad’ before turning to poker “The Real Valladolid president left it with problems and had to be helped by his companions.”Some diehard fans sought to defend him, though.In response to suggestions Ronaldo was “happier than usual”, one replied: “So what? How many of you who have done nothing in your life do the same?“Leave him alone.“Everyone is free to do what they want, stop judging others. He was a great player.”Another added: “He’s not driving, he’s being driven. He spends his own money and doesn’t ask for borrowed cash.“He’s already retired and he’s not playing tomorrow, so who does he have to explain himself to?”’NOT A GOOD IMAGE’But a third fan commented: “Most of us have found ourselves at one time or another in the same state as Ronaldo but if you think about the situation of the club he bought it’s not a good image.“The club has already been relegated to the second division and he’s one of the people responsible.”Angry Real Valladolid supporters threw fake €500 notes with Ronaldo’s face on them on to the pitch on Saturday during the team’s home match against Barcelona as they begged him to sell up.They also chanted “Ronaldo go home” in a 12th-minute protest which took place while the team were winning 1-0.Barcelona, though, scored twice early in the second half to win 2-1 and take another step closer to the Treble.Recent reports claimed the sale of Real Valladolid appeared to be reaching its final stages after the Brazilian signed a pre-agreement to transfer ownership.Read More on The SunBut a confidentiality clause prevented further details from being disclosed until later this month.Ronaldo has yet to comment on the video footage of him leaving the Madrid restaurant on his social media.Real Valladolid fans protested against Ronaldo’s ownershipCredit: GettyFake €500 notes were distributed for Saturday’s defeat to BarcelonaCredit: ReutersRonaldo has not been to a home game since August – but watched Jack Draper in the Madrid Open tennis finalCredit: Getty More

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      Ethan Ampadu appears to leak Junior Firpo’s next club in front of 150,000 Leeds fans during wild bus parade

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      LEEDS fans fear that Junior Firpo is set to return to Real Betis following Ethan Ampadu’s bus parade outburst.The Whites celebrated with an incredible 150,000 fans in Leeds city centre earlier today.Ethan Ampadu grabbed the mic from Junior FirpoLeeds stars enjoyed an open top bus paradeCredit: ReutersAround 150,000 Leeds fans lined the streets to celebrateCredit: ReutersDuring the wild parade, Ampadu serenaded his popular team-mate.Taking the microphone, the former Chelsea star sang: “He came from Barca, he won the cup in Spain.”He plays for Leeds now, he’ll do the same again.”He’s f***ing magic and don’t you f***ing know, his name is Junior, Junior Firpo.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmpadu’s singing prompted the Leeds fans to join in with the popular chant.But the Wales international’s next action was a lot more concerning for Leeds fans.The 24-year-old repeatedly shouted “Real Betis” – Firpo’s former club.Left-back Firpo has been linked with a return to the LaLiga side that he left for Barca in 2019.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Elland Road favourite is set to be out of contract next month.Upon seeing the video of Ampadu’s outburst, one Leeds fan wrote on X: “Real Betis it is then?”Daniel Farke turns into DJ for Leeds’ bus parade as 150,000 fans cheer on their promotion heroesWhile a second admitted: “Yeah, thought “he’s off” once Ampadu said that.”And another added: “Lad’s going out on a high. Can’t blame him. He leaves a legend in my eyes.”Speaking to Marca last month, via Mundo Deportivo, Firpo reportedly said: “Returning to Spain, well. Especially returning to Betis. It’s an option I always have open.”I’ve never hidden it. If I tell you that I’ve found it like a home here in Leeds, I’m telling you that Betis is my home. I’m a Betis fan, everyone knows that, and it’s in my blood.”Firpo also told the Yorkshire Evening Post of his future, upon Leeds sealing promotion: “Last time that we spoke, I probably told you that I was focused on promotion. Promotion is done now. But I don’t know.”I don’t know. I think it’s something to speak with the club about maybe when the season is done, you know, and they have more clear plans as well. Let’s see what happens.”Firpo signed for Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 and has gone on to make 119 appearances for the Whites.The Dominican international has just enjoyed his best campaign since moving to England, scoring four goals and laying on 10 assists from left-back.During today’s title parade, boss Daniel Farke pretended to perform on DJ decks as fans chanted “Don’t you know pump it up, the Whites are going up.”The German gleefully danced along, having won his third Championship title following previous triumphs with Norwich.Read More on The SunAmid speculation over Farke’s future, Leeds CEO Paraag Marathe yesterday publicly backed the German.Marathe said: “I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”Daniel Farke pretended to play DJ decks at the Leeds paradeCredit: https://x.com/The_Forty_Four More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘remembers NOTHING of Man Utd clash as mind was in such a blur after Real Madrid transfer bid’

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD “remembers nothing” of his erratic performance against Manchester United earlier this season.The Liverpool star, 26, has confirmed that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season.Trent Alexander-Arnold had an afternoon to forget against Man UtdCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold, 26, ‘remembers nothing’ of his performance against the Red DevilsCredit: GettySpeculation over the full-back’s future has been rife all season, given that his contract is set expire at the end of June.It is widely expected that Alexander-Arnold will pen a six-year contract with Real Madrid.The England star has mulled over his decision for much of this season.In January, Alexander-Arnold was the subject of a £20million bid from Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to the Telegraph, the offer sent the Liverpool hometown hero’s mind “into a blur”.They add that Alexander-Arnold has since told pals that he “remembers nothing” about his performance against Man Utd at the time.As it happened, the right-back had a day to forget in the 2-2 draw, making an error leading to Lisandro Martinez’s goal.Following that match, it’s said that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes called Alexander-Arnold to check if he was alright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold went on to confirm his decision not to sign a new contract during the March international break, when he informed boss Arne Slot.With his manager and team-mates having already been told, the Liverpool academy graduate put out a message to fans earlier today.Inside raucous Liverpool dressing room as Trent Alexander-Arnold leads celebrations and Darwin Nunez smokes a cigarAlexander-Arnold’s emotional statement read: “After 20 years at Liverpool Football Club, now is the time for me to confirm that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life.”I know many of you have wondered why or been frustrated that I haven’t spoken about this yet, but it was always my intention to keep my full focus on the team’s best interests, which was securing No.20.”This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years.”From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.”But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.’MY LOVE FOR THIS CLUB WILL NEVER DIE'”I’ve given my all every single day I’ve been at this club, and I hope you feel like I’ve given back to you during my time here.”From the bottom of my heart, I thank everybody – my coaches, my managers, my team-mates, the staff and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years.”I’ve been blessed enough to live out my dreams here and I will never, ever take for granted the special moments I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived through with you all.”My love for this club will never die.”Liverpool’s club statement was rather more blunt.It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.Read More on The Sun”The 26-year-old will bring his two-decade-long association with the Reds to an end having made the decision to depart Anfield once his deal ceases on June 30, 2025.”Alexander-Arnold has won two Premier League titles, and FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Champions League with his boyhood club. More