Gerrard Challenges Alexander-Arnold's True Intentions Behind Real Madrid Links
Steven Gerrard admits he wouldn't have been capable of departing Liverpool during his peak years as he reflects on Trent Alexander-Arnold's choice to join Real Madrid this summer.
Many Liverpool supporters felt disappointed by Alexander-Arnold's decision to run down his contract and secure a move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants ultimately paying a modest transfer fee to acquire the right-back ahead of last summer's Club World Cup.
Gerrard revealed he experienced a comparable situation throughout his career and recognized how Real Madrid's interest can affect a player, though he maintained he couldn't have completed a transfer like Alexander-Arnold managed.
"When I remove my Liverpool perspective, I believe any footballer in the sport will have their attention caught when Barcelona and Real Madrid approach," Gerrard shared with Rio Ferdinand Presents. "This is my view without wearing my Liverpool colors right now.
"Real Madrid pursued me under [José] Mourinho, genuinely. And it captured my interest. It didn't receive as much attention and discussion as Chelsea because it was quickly dismissed due to the timing and what Real Madrid expected me to do to facilitate that move.
"So it never gained the attention or discussion, but it caught my interest. It definitely caught my interest. It's Real Madrid. So without my Liverpool perspective, Real Madrid and Barcelona, whether you appreciate it or not, if you support [Manchester] United or Liverpool, they're two massive institutions. And when they approach, it will catch your attention. Regardless of your identity, it will catch your attention or you're not... you're not normal. They will catch your attention.
"So I can comprehend it from Trent's perspective. I can comprehend it. I understand it. His closest friend [Jude Bellingham] is there. Perhaps he desires to test himself. He's achieved everything at Liverpool. So there's an aspect of me that truly comprehends it.
"But once I restore my Liverpool perspective, I wonder, 'What are you thinking? What are you thinking?' You're possibly one of the finest teams in Europe. You're achieving things that I currently sit here and still aspire to achieve. You're claiming European Cups. You're one of the key players. The supporters worship you. What are you thinking? But this is with my Liverpool perspective, because I adore Liverpool Football Club."
Gerrard: Criticism of Alexander-Arnold Became Excessive
The next individual that considers Real Madrid or Barcelona will face criticism.
In today's football, players understand the negative reaction their actions face due to social media exposure. Numerous Liverpool fans understandably felt let down by Alexander-Arnold, but while Gerrard acknowledged that some disappointment is expected, certain abuse aimed at the right-back went beyond acceptable limits.
"I comprehend it," he added. "And you're aware of the criticism he received. So what? I experienced it. The next individual that considers Real Madrid or Barcelona or whatever will face criticism.
"We participate in a sport with millions and millions of people who pay substantial money or engage on social platforms. You'll receive some criticism. You'll receive some criticism. That's reality. The criticism that exceeds boundaries, I disagree with. The abuse. All of that, I disagree with regarding any player. That's not acceptable to me. That's complete nonsense. That must end.
"But constructive feedback from a supporter who's spending money and purchasing your jersey and so forth, they deserve to express anything. They're the same individuals who were watching Trent's goals on their devices or spending £3,000 to travel to Dortmund to witness Trent score a free kick. They're the same people who adore him, who spend £90 on a shirt.
"You must accept it. Move forward with it. That's reality. Those are constructive viewpoints in football. You must move forward with it. You must accept. Just move forward with it. And he has."
Alexander-Arnold Talented Enough to Validate Controversial Transfer
Departing his familiar environment in Liverpool was certainly a challenging decision for Alexander-Arnold, who has expressed his ambition to claim the Ballon d'Or and his conviction that Madrid can enhance his chances for the honor.
"I believe he made a significant gamble," Gerrard concluded. "He's an exceptionally skilled footballer, a very gifted footballer. One of the finest passers I've witnessed and I've played alongside some excellent passers. He belongs in that category. He's in the discussion with [David] Beckham and [Paul] Scholes, without question.
"But to depart Liverpool Football Club where he stood during his prime years, turning down a new contract, he made a gamble in my view. And I believe he's experiencing that gamble now.
"I hope it succeeds for him because I care about the young man. Care about the young man tremendously. I wouldn't have made that choice. But he possesses the ability to make it successful."