It was supposed to be a heartfelt moment — a farewell speech from a boyhood fan turned club legend, saying goodbye after 20 years of service. But for many Liverpool fans, what stood out most during Trent Alexander-Arnold’s emotional goodbye wasn’t just his words — it was the frozen, unreadable face of Virgil van Dijk.
The scene was set at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, where the players had gathered ahead of their final Premier League fixture. After days of silence following the announcement of his exit, Alexander-Arnold finally addressed the squad and staff, offering his thanks and reflections on a remarkable journey that began in the youth ranks.
The 25-year-old full-back, who burst onto the scene under Jürgen Klopp and became a key figure in the Reds’ success, chose not to renew his contract. That decision has sparked mixed reactions across the fanbase, with some feeling betrayed by the timing and nature of his exit, especially with no transfer fee involved.
During the farewell, the club presented him with a framed Liverpool shirt — the number 66 he made famous through pinpoint crosses, fierce set-pieces, and his unique ability to dictate the game from the flanks. Applause filled the training ground as teammates surrounded him for one final group photo.
But the celebratory mood didn’t entirely mask the underlying tension. As Alexander-Arnold gave his emotional speech, footage shared on social media quickly went viral — not just because of the farewell, but because of how Virgil van Dijk appeared throughout.
While the full-back poured his heart out, Van Dijk stood motionless, his face betraying no emotion. Fans on Twitter were quick to pick up on it, with many interpreting the Dutchman’s stoic expression in dramatically different ways.
“The look of disgust on Virg’s face,” one fan commented bluntly, sparking a flurry of similar reactions. Another wrote, “Van Dijk ain’t buying it,” suggesting the captain might still be frustrated or hurt by Alexander-Arnold’s decision to walk away. Others, however, took a more charitable view: “Yeah, Van Dijk and Alisson look emotional. That was tough to watch.”
It’s not the first time this farewell has drawn attention. Earlier this month, Alexander-Arnold was booed by sections of the crowd at Anfield when he came on during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. For many, it was a painful moment — one that underscored how strained the relationship between player and supporters had become since the announcement.
Those close to the club say the farewell activities have been kept largely private. While Alexander-Arnold’s achievements — including a Premier League title, Champions League trophy, and Club World Cup — are etched in Liverpool’s modern history, the decision to leave on a free has overshadowed much of the celebration.
Van Dijk, as club captain, has had to walk a delicate line. He’ll lift the Premier League trophy on Sunday alongside Liverpool legend Alan Hansen in what’s expected to be a grand farewell ceremony at Anfield. But whether Alexander-Arnold will play a part in that match against Crystal Palace remains uncertain.
Conor Bradley has started the last two matches at right-back, a clear signal from manager Arne Slot that the team is already transitioning to life without their Scouse star. Alexander-Arnold was a second-half substitute against Arsenal, but he remained on the bench against Brighton — a quiet exit for a player who once lit up European nights.
Slot’s handling of the situation has raised eyebrows. Though he gave the defender a final Anfield appearance against Arsenal, the overall lack of involvement and the subdued farewell point to unresolved tensions within the squad.
As the images of the training ground spread online, debate rages on about what Van Dijk’s face really meant. Was it a quiet protest? A personal disappointment? Or merely the composed demeanor of a leader focused on the task ahead?
It’s worth noting that Van Dijk has always spoken highly of Alexander-Arnold. Their partnership on the right flank was a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defensive and offensive play. Yet football, like life, is full of complicated emotions — especially when loyalty and legacy collide.
Alisson Becker, another key figure in Liverpool’s spine, also appeared subdued in the farewell video. His relationship with Alexander-Arnold was reportedly close, but the emotional weight of losing a longtime teammate may have silenced many on the day.
Liverpool fans, meanwhile, are split. Some feel Alexander-Arnold had earned the right to leave on his own terms. Others believe he owed the club more — at the very least, a transfer that would allow the Reds to profit from his departure. The fact that his exit follows Klopp’s own departure has only added to the sense of instability.
As Liverpool prepare to turn a new page under Arne Slot, the end of the Alexander-Arnold chapter feels both significant and surreal. For two decades, he represented the dream of every Liverpool academy hopeful. Now, he’s preparing to write a new story elsewhere — and it remains to be seen how warmly he will be remembered.
Sunday’s trophy lift may offer one final image to define this strange ending. If Alexander-Arnold is on the pitch, it could bring closure. If not, his departure will remain as muted and ambiguous as Van Dijk’s expression during his final goodbye.
