Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold could potentially return to Anfield next week as Real Madrid take on the Premier League in the Champions League
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed he laughed about his upcoming Liverpool reunion with former teammates Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson. The Reds academy graduate is in line to return to Anfield next week, with Liverpool set to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Alexander-Arnold could be in line for somewhat of hostile reception from supporters, who remain unhappy with the circumstances of his departure. And while he’s aware of that, the England star has said he will never harbour any bad feelings towards Liverpool fans.
He has also revealed that he had an amusing text exchange with a number of his former teammates when it was confirmed that Liverpool would take on Real Madrid.
Speaking to Prime Video Sport, Alexander-Arnold said: “Whatever way I’m received, is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club.
“I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together… they’ll live with me forever. No matter what, my feeling won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I'm received, that won’t change."
"After the draw, Robbo, Mo and Ibou (Konate) all messaged me, we were just laughing."
He added: “When the draw was announced, everyone knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come. It will be a very difficult game, the reception and atmosphere will contribute to that. Although they (Liverpool) haven’t had the results of late, they’re still a top footballing team, and nobody here thinks it’s going to be an easy game."
As it stands, there is some doubt over whether Alexander-Arnold will be in the team or not. He was expected to play this weekend against Valencia, only for Xabi Alonso to opt for midfielder Federico Valverde instead.
Regardless, Alexander-Arnold has promised to not celebrate should he find the net at Anfield. He said: “If I was to score, then I wouldn’t celebrate. No."
The defender has also opened up on what convinced him to pursue a move away from Anfield. And it appears that England teammate Jude Bellignham was a huge influence.
He said: “There was a lot of speculation… the ‘agent Jude’ stuff. It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid)… we’d meet up at England camps and everyone would want to know what it was like behind the scenes (at Real Madrid)… he said it was incredible, and he’d never seen anything like it.
“The drive from the whole club, to win and the expectation to win. He talked so highly of the club, and I’d made my mind up at the end of the day, I needed a change for me. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch."