Trent Alexander-Arnold, the ex-Liverpool defender, has affirmed that his deep-rooted attachment to the club he loves will not falter, even as he prepares to return to Anfield with Real Madrid on Tuesday, November 4. The match will be a significant moment for the 27-year-old, who will face the team he spent nine years with, leaving a legacy of 354 appearances, 23 goals, and 92 assists.
In an interview with Amazon Prime, Alexander-Arnold addressed the possibility of a mixed reception from Liverpool fans, clarifying, "No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. The memories I made there will stay with me forever, and how I'm received won’t alter that."
Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer was met with mixed reactions from the club's fanbase. Some fans expressed disappointment, particularly after the defender allowed his contract to expire, opting to join Real Madrid for a reported fee of £8.4 million. This move, which coincided with the club's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, sparked conversations about his loyalty to Liverpool.
As he reflects on his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold acknowledged the impact Liverpool has had on his career. "I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club. I will always be thankful for the opportunities they gave me, and everything we achieved together will remain with me forever," he stated.
Despite the potential emotional challenges, Alexander-Arnold expressed that he would not celebrate if he scores against his former club. He also revealed that many of his former teammates reached out to him after the Champions League draw, including Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate. "We were just laughing. I think everyone knew this was going to happen," he said. "We’ll put our emotions aside and focus on playing the best football we can."
Alexander-Arnold’s transition to Real Madrid has been marked by challenges, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him in September and difficulties in establishing himself in the first team. Despite these hurdles, he has found support in England teammate Jude Bellingham, who has helped him adjust to life at the Spanish giants. "He’s a great lad and a great friend," Alexander-Arnold noted. "Having someone else from England here makes things easier. We understand each other well, and he’s made settling in a lot smoother."
As he prepares to return to Anfield, Alexander-Arnold finds himself on the cusp of competing against the club he once called home. Real Madrid, managed by another former Liverpool player, Xabi Alonso, is aiming for a fourth consecutive win in their Champions League campaign. Alexander-Arnold is expected to start on the bench, having only recently returned to training after recovering from his injury.
While the match could be emotionally charged, Alexander-Arnold remains steadfast in his commitment to his former club. "I think however I’m received is up to the fans. But I will always be a Liverpool fan at heart," he concluded.
This encounter between Liverpool and Real Madrid is set to be a moment of reflection for both sides, as Alexander-Arnold reunites with his former teammates and the club that shaped his career. Despite his new chapter in football, his heart, as he has made clear, will always remain in Liverpool.
**Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast for more insights on this story.**
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment on this article!