By Martin Graham
Trent Alexander-Arnold insists on his affection Liverpool remains intact ahead of his first visit to Anfield as a Real Madrid player The 27-year-old right-back, who left the Reds in June after letting his contract expire, will face his former side on Tuesday, November 4, in the Champions League group stage.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Alexander-Arnold said his link with Liverpool would not be affected by the reception he receives. “Whatever happens, my feelings towards the club remain the same,” he explained. “The memories I’ve made there will last forever, and that won’t change regardless of how people respond.”
Controversial departure and emotional ties
The England international made 354 appearances for his hometown team, playing his last game in May against Crystal Palace when Liverpool celebrated lifting the Premier League trophy. His departure followed months of speculation, after he became one of three senior players, along with Virgil van Dijk i Mohamed Salah — entering the final year of their contracts.
While Van Dijk and Salah both extended their deals in April, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, joining Real Madrid for an £8.4m fee ahead of the Club World Cup. His decision was criticized by some supporters, with posters outside Anfield questioning his loyalty despite his major role in securing two league titles, a Champions League crown and several domestic trophies.
“Fans have a right to feel however they do,” he said. “Liverpool will always have my heart. I will always be grateful for what the club gave me, and the success we shared will stay with me forever.” The full-back added that he would not celebrate if he scored against his former team.
Life in Madrid and the support of Bellingham
Since moving to Spain, Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult start, struggling for minutes, missing out on the England squad and spending weeks out with a hamstring problem he picked up against Marseille on September 16. He has only just returned to Real’s matchday squad and is set to start Tuesday’s clash on the bench as Xabi Alonso’s side aim for a fourth straight European win.
Despite the difficulties, he credited teammate Jude Bellingham with helping him adapt to life in Madrid. “He’s been a big help,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It’s great to have someone who understands where you’re coming from. Jude made it so easy to fit in.”
The former Liverpool defender also revealed that a number of former team-mates got in touch when the draw was made. “I spoke to Robbo, Mo and Ibu – we laughed about it,” he said. “We all knew this draw had to happen. However, once the whistle blows, it’s all about football.”
