‘Alexander-Arnold will be remembered for good things even if he leaves’

Captain Virgil van Dijk says Trent Alexander-Arnold will “always be remembered for good things” at Liverpool even if he decides to leave as a free agent this summer.

The right-back is out of contract at the end of the season and has held talks with Real Madrid.

Van Dijk and forward Mohamed Salah ended speculation over their futures by signing fresh two-year deals during the past fortnight.

“Since I joined the club, he has been a fantastic player and there’s a lot of good things that he will always be remembered for if he decides to leave,” said Van Dijk.

“Whatever may happen in the future for him, that’s something he has to resolve with himself and the family.

“But he’s a Liverpool player at this point and he’s important for our team. “

Second-half substitute Alexander-Arnold scored the only goal as Liverpool moved closer to a 20th league title with a 1-0 win against Leicester City on Sunday.

The defender celebrated wildly, removing his shirt in front of the away fans.

The meaning of Alexander-Arnold’s celebration has been debated but Van Dijk says the Liverpool squad have had no inclination about the England player’s future.

“At this point, we don’t know as a group what’s going to happen,” added Van Dijk.

Liverpool will be crowned champions if Arsenal fail to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

If Mikel Arteta’s side win, the Reds will have the chance to clinch the title against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.

“It doesn’t matter [when]. I want to be champions of England. I want to let this dream become true,” said Van Dijk.