Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to return to Anfield with Real Madrid for their Champions League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday. The former Reds academy product insists his love for Liverpool remains unchanged despite a controversial summer departure. Alexander-Arnold, recovered from injury, anticipates mixed emotions but vows not to celebrate if he scores against his boyhood club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's summer move to Real Madrid on a free transfer after his Liverpool contract expired has divided fans, with some expressing frustration over the timing and manner of his exit. The 27-year-old right-back, who made 354 appearances for the Reds and won two Premier League titles, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, spoke ahead of the match to Amazon Prime Video. "I'll always love the club, I'll always be a fan of the club," he said. "No matter what, my feelings won't change towards Liverpool. I've got memories there that will last me a lifetime."
Alexander-Arnold revealed that former teammates Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate messaged him after the Champions League draw, laughing about the fixture. "When the draw was announced, everyone kind of knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come," he added. He confirmed he would not celebrate a goal, stating, "If I was to score, then no, I wouldn't celebrate."
The England international suffered a hamstring injury in Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille on September 16 and has been an unused substitute in recent La Liga games against Barcelona and Valencia. With Dani Carvajal sidelined until 2026, Federico Valverde has deputized at right-back, but Alexander-Arnold is medically cleared and could feature, potentially as a substitute.
Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday at 8pm GMT, with Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs in charge. The Reds have won two of their first three league-phase games, while Real Madrid sit fifth with nine points from three victories, including against Juventus. Xabi Alonso, another former Liverpool midfielder, manages the visitors, who lead La Liga after a 4-0 win over Valencia.
Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, linking up with England teammate Jude Bellingham, who helped convince him to move. Posters questioning his loyalty appeared outside Anfield last season, and he was booed by some fans in a May game against Arsenal after announcing his departure.
