Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to make his return to Anfield on Tuesday night as Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final first leg
Stephen Warnock is hopeful that Liverpool fans will pay tribute to Trent Alexander-Arnold upon his return to Anfield with Real Madrid. However, the ex-defender concedes that some supporters may be irked by his controversial departure from Merseyside.
Alexander-Arnold's contract with the Premier League champions expired before he penned a deal with the Spanish heavyweights. The England defender was released early from his contract for a fee of £10 million by Xabi Alonso's side, enabling him to participate in their Club World Cup campaign over the summer.
The 27-year-old is set to make a return to Anfield with his new squad during Tuesday's Champions League clash against Liverpool.
The anticipation of this European face-off has reignited discussions about the kind of welcome the defender will receive following his exit, despite having won two Premier League's and a Champions League title since graduating from the academy.
Warnock anticipates a mixed response but hopes fans recognise Alexander-Arnold's talent and the impact of his absence this season.
"A mixed one, I think there's some Liverpool fans who appreciate what he did for the football club and understand that he wanted a new challenge," he told the Mirror via Esports Bets.
"There were some asking, 'why have you left? It's the best club in the world?' Listen, I understand every argument, he's in a position now where things are looking a bit better for him because people are realising the quality that they've lost and appreciate it more.
"But I hope he gets a good reception, he deserves it but on the other hand, if he gets a mixed bag, it was his choice to leave.
"I hope so [people realise what he did for the club] and I think they will. I spoke about this a couple of weeks ago, when talking about players teams will miss and I said, 'Liverpool and City will miss Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kevin de Bruyne more than anything.
"Liverpool have the same situation with Trent, they're realising now that his delivery from set pieces, centre-midfield or right-back, it changed the game, it allowed Liverpool to run behind and clubs dropped.
"I hope they are realising just how good he was because he was a special player and luckily for us, he was a homegrown player as well."
Warnock's remarks follow Arne Slot's confirmation that Alexander-Arnold will receive a warm welcome from the Liverpool boss.
Slot commented: "I can only tell you what kind of reception he gets from me; I have great memories of the player and the human being.
"He was my vice-captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive and have memories from watching him on television which were only positive as well – I can remember multiple great moments of his in a Liverpool shirt. He will get a warm welcome from me.
"Let's first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow. How the fans react I have no clue but he gets a warm welcome from me, that's for sure."