Chelsea revel in win over Liverpool but big challenges remain

LONDON – England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool, the club he has been at since the age of six, he said on social media platform X on May 5, calling it the hardest decision of his life.

Born in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold rose through the youth ranks to become one of the best right backs in the world, winning two English Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with the Reds.

“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,” Alexander-Arnold said in his statement.

“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.”

The 26-year-old England international frequently played in a hybrid midfield role for Liverpool in recent seasons – operating as a full back when out of possession but moving into midfield during attacks – and is expected to make a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

The news comes on the back of Liverpool’s 3-1 league loss to Chelsea on May 4, a result Chelsea’s players and fans celebrated raucously.

The Stamford Bridge supporters roared along to One Step Beyond – the 1980s hit by ska band Madness – and manager Enzo Maresca raced on to the pitch while his coaching staff hugged and swopped high-fives on the touchline, though they are aware tougher tests lie ahead in the Londoners’ push to return to the Champions League.

“Today, probably the environment was the best environment of this season with