Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke about Liverpool ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League group game at Anfield.
In the summer, Alexander-Arnold left his boyhood club Liverpool and joined Real Madrid for a small fee before his contract expired.
At the start of last season, there was much talk of potential departures for Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as they entered the final year of their contracts at Liverpool, but the right-back was always the most likely to leave.
It was widely reported throughout most of the season that he was Real Madrid’s top target as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, and a deal was signed between the two clubs shortly after the end of the 2024/25 season.
Alexander-Arnold has had a difficult start to life at Real Madrid due to injuries, but he will be hoping to feature in Xabi Alonso’s side, who visit Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the game, Alexander-Arnold suggested he was “destined” to play for Liverpool in the Champions League this season.
“When the draw was announced, I think everyone kind of knew it was going to happen. That match was destined to come,” Alexander-Arnold said in an interview with Amazon Prime Sport.
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“Obviously they’re a top team so we knew at some point we’d either get back there or play against Liverpool. It happened so quickly. It’s mixed emotions. I think it’s going to be a very, very difficult game, but it’s a game that I’m really looking forward to.”
Alexander-Arnold said his feelings remained the same, but insisted he would not celebrate even if he scored against Liverpool. He added: “It’s up to the fans to decide how I am received. I will always love the club and will always be a fan of the club.”
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities and things we accomplished together. They will live with me forever.
“No matter what happens, my feelings for Liverpool will remain the same. I have memories that will last a lifetime at Liverpool and that will remain regardless of how I am received.”
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Alexander-Arnold also commented on suggestions that Jude Bellingham acted as an “agent” to help him sign for Real Madrid.
“There was a lot of speculation about ‘Agent Jude’ and all that, especially in my first season[at Real]. We were meeting in the England camp and everyone wanted to know what was going on behind the scenes,” he revealed.
“He said it was unbelievable and he had never seen anything like this. The whole club’s desire to win and the expectation to win.”
“He thought so highly of the club that I decided at the end of the day that I needed a change. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch.”
