Trent Alexander-Arnold insists his affection for Liverpool will remain unchanged when he returns to Anfield with Real Madrid in next week’s Champions League clash.
The 27-year-old full-back, who left his boyhood club in June after 18 years, will make his first appearance against Liverpool since joining the Spanish giants for a reported £8.4 million. Despite criticism over the manner of his departure, Alexander-Arnold says his love for the club is unshakable.
“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool,” he told Amazon Prime. “I have got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I am received, that won’t change.”
Real Madrid face Liverpool on Tuesday, 4 November, in the Champions League league phase — a fixture loaded with emotion for both the player and the fans.
Alexander-Arnold made 354 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals and providing 92 assists. He was instrumental in the club’s modern-era success under Jürgen Klopp, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup.
His exit, however, came amid controversy. After months of stalled contract talks, the England international allowed his deal to run down, enabling a free transfer window move that Real Madrid capitalised on. The club paid a cut-price fee to secure his services before the FIFA Club World Cup, where he made his debut.
Posters appeared outside Anfield at the time, with some fans accusing the defender of lacking loyalty. Yet, Alexander-Arnold remains philosophical about the criticism.
“I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans,” he said. “I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club. I will always be thankful for the opportunities Liverpool gave me, and everything we achieved together will live with me forever.”
He also confirmed he will not celebrate if he scores against his former team. “It wouldn’t feel right,” he said. “The memories and respect I have for Liverpool mean too much.”
The full-back also revealed that several former teammates reached out after the Champions League draw was made, including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté. “We were laughing about it,” he said. “Everyone knew it was bound to happen at some point. We’ll put emotions to one side and play the best football we can.”
Alexander-Arnold’s start to life at Real Madrid has been far from smooth. After picking up a hamstring injury during a Champions League match against Marseille in September, he has yet to make an appearance under manager Xabi Alonso — another former Liverpool player. He is expected to start on the bench at Anfield as Madrid chase a fourth straight win in this season’s competition.
The England international has also faced challenges off the pitch, including being left out of Gareth Southgate’s most recent national squad. However, he says Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham has helped him settle into life in Spain.
“He’s a great lad and a great friend,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It’s good to have someone else English here. We understand each other well, and he’s made the transition a lot easier for me.”
Despite the slow start, Real Madrid remain confident the defender can rediscover his best form. Alonso has praised Alexander-Arnold’s professionalism and hinted that his versatility could prove valuable later in the season.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue their own evolution under new management, with fans divided over whether to cheer or jeer their former academy star when he steps back onto the Anfield turf.
For Alexander-Arnold, however, sentimentality outweighs any potential hostility. “I owe everything to Liverpool,” he said. “The city, the fans, and the club shaped me as a person and as a player. That bond will never be broken.”
Whatever the reception, his return promises to be one of the most emotionally charged moments of this Champions League campaign — a homecoming defined by gratitude, growth, and unchanging loyalty.
