Trent Alexander-Arnold was wished a happy birthday by Liverpool's official social media account on Tuesday — but the post has received a mixed reaction from fans after his controversial exit to Real Madrid last summer.
The former Reds full-back, now 27, upset a huge proportion of Liverpool's fanbase last season after running down his contract and choosing to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Rather than receiving an emotional farewell from supporters, the England international — who came through Liverpool's academy and helped the club win the Champions League and two Premier League titles — was loudly booed by several fans in the final few months of last campaign.
At it seems all is not forgiven for many Reds supporters, who reacted in anger to Liverpool's social media post on Tuesday morning.
'Happy birthday, Trent Alexander-Arnold,' the post on X read, displaying the former Liverpool star holding up the Premier League title in celebration.
While many fans extended birthday wishes to Alexander-Arnold, a large group of supporters reacted negatively.
One fan posted: 'Lads we’ve just lost 3 on the bounce, could you not?'
'This tweet is worse than those three straight defeats which we suffered last week,' a second commented in agreement.
A third chimed in and said: 'We are NOT wishing him a happy birthday.'
'We deserve all the abuse we get from rival fans, for posting this 66 player,' another added.
There were many more abusive messages sprawled across the comments of the social media post, with Alexander-Arnold labelled a 'rat' and a 'traitor' by many fans.
However, plenty of supporters posted positively in response to the happy birthday message, eager to remember the efforts and achievements he gave the club during his time at Anfield.
'Happy birthday to the smoothest passer of the ball. Trent could ping a ball like nobody else,' one fan said.
Another added: 'Happy birthday to Trent. He's suffered enough in Madrid, I actually feel for him now.'
A third, disappointed at those spouting abuse in the comments, posted: 'As an honest Liverpool fan, I have to say we have the worst fanbase on earth.
'Trent is arguably our biggest club legend, someone who gave everything for the club and took us from our banter era to now when all of us glory hunters became fans, and this is how we repay him?'
Alexander-Arnold is set to return to Anfield for Real Madrid's Champions League clash with the Reds on November 4.
From the reaction to Liverpool's happy birthday post, a huge number of fans are still extremely angry or disappointed at Alexander-Arnold for the manner in which he left, and the right-back is likely to be the target of boos from home supporters if he features during the match.
Steve McManaman, who also made the switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid during his career, shared his thoughts on Alexander-Arnold's imminent return to Anfield last month.
'Trent going back [to Anfield]; it was always going to happen,' McManaman told Daily Mail Sport in September, speaking on behalf of bet365. 'I just don’t think people thought it would happen so soon.
'It’s going to be emotional for him, hard for him, because in the end, the crowd will give him a good reception. But they will also want Liverpool to win.
‘I think the most important thing for Liverpool is that the game is at home, the night at Anfield. They seem to have played Real Madrid many times over recent years, so that won’t be any different.'