Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, with the defender expected to join Real Madrid.
"This is easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life," said Alexander-Arnold in a message on social media.
No contract with the Spanish club has been signed yet, though Alexander-Arnold moving to Real on a free transfer is understood to be the direction of travel.
The England international came through the Liverpool academy and has played 352 times for the first team, winning two Premier League titles - including this season's.
Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies in 2019, and also lifted two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.
The 26-year-old started this season as one of the three key Liverpool players out of contract this summer, and while Liverpool extended Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's deals by two years, they will lose Alexander-Arnold for no fee.
"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," added Alexander-Arnold.
"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."
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.
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) May 5, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/emAw5RvXq0