Alexander-Arnold mural vandalised ahead of Liverpool, Real Madrid clash

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎Just hours ahead of the Champions League showdown between Liverpool and Real Madrid, a mural honoring former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been defaced.
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‎Alexander-Arnold, who moved to Spain at the end of last season, is set to feature for Real Madrid in the upcoming fixture. The defender’s decision to let his Liverpool contract run down sparked frustration among some fans, leading to boos during his final months at Anfield.
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‎The mural, located close to Liverpool’s stadium and unveiled in 2019 after the club’s Champions League triumph, has been targeted before, with the word “Rat” scrawled across it. On Tuesday, vandals repeated the graffiti and splashed white paint over the artwork. Thankfully, maintenance crews acted quickly to clean it.
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‎A chilly reception seems inevitable for Alexander-Arnold upon his return. He described his feelings ahead of the match as “mixed” and confirmed he would refrain from celebrating if he scored against his former club.
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‎“I’ll always hold Liverpool close to my heart,” he told Amazon Prime. “I have memories there that will stay with me forever, and how I’m received won’t change that.”
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‎Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, promised a heartfelt greeting for his former player. “I have fond memories of him both on and off the pitch,” the Dutch coach remarked.
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‎Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid management and Xabi Alonso paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Ander Silva, highlighting the respect and camaraderie that extends beyond rivalries.