Captain Virgil van Dijk is confident Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations will not be overshadowed by the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Liverpool-born right-back, 26, announced last week that he will leave when his contract expires at the end of June, and he is expected to join Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold played for the first time since confirming his impending exit when he appeared as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday and was booed by some supporters.

Van Dijk, who said the team are “gutted” to be losing such an important player, said Alexander-Arnold “has to deal” with the negativity.

He also promised that Liverpool plan to celebrate their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in style – ensuring Alexander-Arnold is part of the trophy lift celebrations at Anfield on Sunday, 25 May.

An open-top bus parade in the city will follow the next day.

“We want to win two more games and after the final whistle, including him [Alexander-Arnold], lift the trophy up and celebrate like we have never done before,” said the 33-year-old Netherlands international.

When asked whether Alexander-Arnold’s approaching exit could overshadow the celebrations, Van Dijk said: “I don’t think so. It shouldn’t. There’s a lot more players that also deserve an amazing day.”