Trent Alexander-Arnold’s team-mates offer support after his treatment at Anfield

Liverpool’s players were “gutted” to learn of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave but captain Virgil van Dijk insists the full-back and the rest of the players will deal with Anfield’s toxic fall-out together.

The England international’s introduction as a 67th-minute substitute in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, just six days after he confirmed he would not be extending a contract which expires next month, was greeted with boos from large numbers inside the ground.

That continued with every touch made by the former academy graduate, who has a 20-year association with the club, and there was no any respite at the final whistle with Luis Diaz offering a consoling arm while Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo showed their disapproval towards supporters.

Alexander-Arnold’s decision was not a huge surprise, as links to Real Madrid have grown all season, but the intensity of the reception inside Anfield was.

The players have had slightly longer than the general public to process the ramifications of the 26-year-old’s desire to seek a new challenge but it has been tough even for them.

“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,” said Van Dijk.

“The (crowd) reaction happened. He has to deal with it. We as a team have to deal with that as well.

"Booing one of your own players when they're playing, is not for me"