Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has insisted his crucial goal against Leicester City, which sent the team one step closer to the Premier League title, will remain etched in his memory forever.
Alexander-Arnold made a superb return from injury, coming on as a substitute to score the winner in the 76th minute in a 1-0 win for the visitors at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City are relegated from the Premier League, leaving the Reds just three points short of their 20th top-flight title and second in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether the right-back, whose contract expires in the summer, will follow the example of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk and sign a new deal amid strong interest from Real Madrid. However, if he leaves the club, he will be remembered for an important goal and leave a legacy.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he commented on his future: “I've said all season that I won't discuss my situation. I'm not going to go into detail.
“But days like these are always unique. Scoring goals, winning games and being one step closer to the title are moments that will stay with me forever. I'm happy to be part of it.
“I'm eager to play and I was happy to contribute to the goal – it was an important goal. I think we're now just one win away, we're close.”
Alexander-Arnold has faced intense criticism since rumours emerged of a possible move to the Spanish capital, with pundit and former Reds defender Jamie Carragher one of the most vocal supporters of the move.
However, manager Arne Slot, who is on the verge of winning the title in his first season at Anfield, said his player's commitment to the club was beyond doubt.
He noted: “Today the main headline should be his goal, not his contract.
“But I can say that it would be absurd for anyone to question his commitment to this club because given the level of work he did today to come back and score such an important goal and everything he has done for the club in all the years he has been here, no one should, in my opinion, question his commitment to this club.
“Let the headlines be about his great goal, not his contract situation.”
The goal means the Reds can be crowned champions if Arsenal fail to beat Crystal Palace in midweek.
Liverpool fans will no doubt be hoping the Gunners do not slip up as it would pave the way for them to see their side lift the title at Anfield next Sunday – something they were denied in 2019-20 when their success under Jurgen Klopp was celebrated behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The only thing the fans want is for us to win the game,” added Slot. “After one champion in 35 years when they weren’t involved because of Covid, every moment when that happens will be special for them.”
“We're definitely looking forward to next week because I expect Arsenal to win this week. We'll probably have to do it ourselves.”
Leicester's 23rd defeat this season will see them relegated for a second time in three years and back to the Championship.
Head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has lost 16 of his 20 Premier League games during his tenure, is yet to make any announcement regarding his future and says he needs to discuss it with the board.
Asked when this would happen, he replied: “I hope soon. It's important, I can only wait.
“I am focused and ready to take on the responsibility to do everything possible for this football club to step into the future, into next season.
“We have to take responsibility for the next five weeks and then we’ll see.
“I will continue to do this until the end of the season. In this situation
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
