Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has become the first player from the Spanish club to react to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool.

The Frenchman liked an Instagram post where the right-back confirmed his exit from his hometown club at the end of the season.

"This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life," Alexander-Arnold, who joined the club at age six and is widely expected to move to Real Madrid, said. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone – my coaches, managers, teammates, staff, and our incredible supporters – for the last 20 years."

Alexander-Arnold rejected Liverpool’s offers

While teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah addressed speculation about their futures by signing new contracts with the Premier League champions, Alexander-Arnold has chosen to join the current UEFA Champions League holders: Real Madrid.

The right-back has recorded 352 appearances and 23 goals for Liverpool since his debut in 2016. He secured the Premier League title this season as well as in 2019-20 under Jürgen Klopp. His accolades also include the Champions League in 2018-19, the 2022 FA Cup, and two League Cups.

Liverpool stated that Alexander-Arnold "will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for his contributions during a period of sustained success." According to Sky Sports, "talks with the defender were a long-term priority for the Reds, with discussions starting last season," and "Liverpool’s offer would have made him the highest-paid full-back in the Premier League." Liverpool also turned down a bid from Real Madrid in January.