Trent Alexander-Arnold Delivers Heartfelt Promise to Liverpool Faithful Before Emotional Anfield Homecoming
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold emphasized his lasting love for Liverpool and readily acknowledged the welcome he anticipates receiving when he returns to Anfield for the first time in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The devoted Scouser dedicated two decades to his hometown club. A romance that started with glimpsing through the barriers at Liverpool's former training facility peaked with Alexander-Arnold in the starting eleven, providing unparalleled attacking threat from right-back as the Reds captured every major trophy possible.
Following 354 matches, 92 assists and eight trophies, including the club's initial two Premier League championships, Alexander-Arnold recognized there were no further heights to reach on Merseyside. "I require a fresh start," he stated in May after it was revealed he wouldn't extend a deal that concluded in June, "a different test for me both professionally and personally."
The choice was poorly received.
Even before official confirmation, banners appeared throughout Merseyside criticizing his alleged disloyalty. During Alexander-Arnold's initial match for Liverpool following his departure announcement, he faced jeers from significant portions of Anfield.
The common reasoning suggested that as a lifelong supporter of the club, there would be no justification for departure. For those who cautiously accepted Alexander-Arnold's potential exit, the way he left—specifically allowing his contract to expire before joining Real Madrid, a team many Liverpool supporters view as their European adversaries—caused irritation.
Although current manager Arne Slot declined to criticize his supporters, the Anfield crowd's response drew sharp condemnation from multiple Liverpool players and legendary former coach Jürgen Klopp. Alexander-Arnold later received a heartfelt farewell as Liverpool celebrated their league triumph in May, and he's ready for whatever reception awaits on Tuesday evening.
"However the fans choose to greet me is their prerogative," he shared with Amazon Prime Video.
He returns.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature at Anfield in the Champions League next week, with Dani Carvajal having undergone knee surgery. pic.twitter.com/4Owvxber1b
"My affection for the club will never fade, I'll remain a supporter forever. I'll eternally appreciate the chances and accomplishments we shared... they'll stay with me always. Regardless of circumstances, my feelings toward Liverpool remain unchanged. I have experiences there that will endure throughout my life."
Alexander-Arnold has battled fitness issues during his initial five months in Madrid but has returned to health for this week's league phase encounter. It seems doubtful the 27-year-old will begin—he hasn't played in any competition for Madrid since injuring his hamstring on Sept. 16—but might enter as a substitute.
Should Alexander-Arnold participate and score, which would mark only his third Champions League goal, the former Red pledged to show restraint. "If I were to find the net, I honestly wouldn't celebrate," he admitted.
Liverpool Squad's Reaction to Real Madrid Matchup
"When I chose to move forward, it was likely inevitable that eventually I'd face Liverpool while here," Alexander-Arnold observed with irony.
Shortly after Kaká revealed Real Madrid's forthcoming Champions League visit to Anfield in August, Alexander-Arnold reached out to several of his recently former colleagues.
"I contacted Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo [Salah], Ibou [Ibrahima Konaté]," Alexander-Arnold detailed. "They simply laughed. Everyone anticipated this would occur. We'll set aside our feelings and deliver our finest performance."