Luis Diaz has pledged his future to Liverpool after baring witness to Trent Alexander-Arnold facing considerable boos from the Anfield faithful. The England international – who announced his intention to depart his boyhood club at the end of the season – was dropped for the Premier League champions’ home clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
He was introduced into the game in the second half but was met with sizeable boos as fans let the 26-year-old know about their thoughts of his decision to leave the football club. With Liverpool set to say goodbye to one of their most prized academy graduates in modern times, the club’s focus will certainly shift to summer additions.
They’ll surely also keep a keen eye on securing the future of several current players whose contract situations will heavily grow in importance in the next 12 months, with Diaz being one of them. The Colombian star – who has scored 17 goals across all competitions this season – has two years left on his deal and while negotiations to extend have yet to commence, reports suggest that talks to keep the winger at Anfield will begin in the summer.
In news that would certainly delight the Liverpool hierarchy, Diaz revealed his intention to remain a Red for “as many years as possible” after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Mikel Arteta‘s side. After being asked about the possibility of signing a contract extension, the 28-year-old told Telemundo: “From the first day I arrived, I’ve always been very happy, very calm, always enjoying the football played here, especially in this great team, this great institution that is Liverpool.
“So yes, we’ll be discussing it; obviously, we’ll talk about it. As for me, I’d stay for as many years as possible. So yes, it also depends on the club and everything else. These are details that are sorted out separately. I’m very calm now. We’re living in the moment, happy, enjoying the Premier League and nothing more.”
He was also asked about whether he was surprised about the reaction Alexander-Arnold received, but Diaz opted to focus on the positive impact his team-mate has made since breaking into the first team in 2016. “I have nothing to say about that,” he said of the boos.
“But I can speak about Trent because he’s someone who has worked very well. He’s given everything to the club; I think he’s contributed what he wanted. He won everything, so I think he’s leaving on a high note. He’s an outstanding player, a great person and has enormous quality. I’m very proud to play alongside him.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk