Trent Alexander-Arnold Expresses Loyalty to Liverpool Ahead of Champions League Clash
Trent Alexander-Arnold has reaffirmed that his feelings for former club Liverpool remain unchanged, regardless of the reception he receives during his return to Anfield with Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are set to face the Reds in the group stage of the Champions League on Tuesday, November 4.
Alexander-Arnold faced criticism from some Liverpool supporters over his decision to let his contract expire before leaving for Real Madrid in June for a reported fee of £8.4 million, allowing him to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.
When asked if a warm welcome from fans would provide him with closure, the 27-year-old full-back stated, "No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool." He added, "I have memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I am received, that won’t change."
Having made 354 appearances for his boyhood club, Alexander-Arnold played his final match in May against Crystal Palace, where the team was awarded the Premier League trophy.
He was one of three senior Liverpool players, alongside captain Virgil van Dijk and star Mohamed Salah, to enter the final year of their contracts last season. Van Dijk and Salah signed new two-year deals in April, shifting the focus onto Alexander-Arnold.
Discontented fans put up posters outside the stadium questioning his loyalty to the club, where he had celebrated two league titles, as well as victories in the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
"I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans," Alexander-Arnold remarked. "I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club. I will always be thankful for the opportunities Liverpool gave me, and everything we achieved together will live with me forever."
He also mentioned that he would refrain from celebrating if he scores against Liverpool and shared that many of his former teammates reached out to him after the Champions League draw was announced. "I spoke to Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo [Salah], and Ibu [Ibrahima Konate]. They were just laughing. I think everybody knew it was going to happen. We will put our emotions aside and play the best football we can," he said.
Alexander-Arnold has recently returned to the Real Madrid squad after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during a Champions League match against Marseille on September 16. However, he is expected to start on the bench against Liverpool as the 15-time European champions, managed by former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso, aim for their fourth consecutive win in this season’s competition.
Since his move to Madrid, Alexander-Arnold has faced challenges in securing a spot in the starting lineup, being excluded from the England squad and dealing with injuries. Nevertheless, he praised fellow English midfielder Jude Bellingham for aiding his transition. "He is a great lad and a great friend. It’s good to have someone else that is English here. We both understand each other very well and know each other very well. He made settling in a lot easier for me," Alexander-Arnold said.