Trent Alexander-Arnold Opens Up on Anfield Return and Jude Bellingham’s Role in Real Madrid Move
Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken candidly ahead of his emotional return to Anfield, addressing how he expects to be received by Liverpool fans and clarifying Jude Bellingham’s influence on his move to Real Madrid.
The former Liverpool vice-captain is set to feature for Real Madrid in next week’s Champions League clash against his boyhood club, with Dani Carvajal sidelined through injury. It will be his first appearance at Anfield since leaving the Reds last summer — a departure that divided opinion among supporters.
“My Feelings for Liverpool Won’t Change”
Alexander-Arnold was jeered by some sections of the Liverpool crowd when he came on as a substitute against Arsenal in May, shortly after confirming he would not renew his contract. His decision to leave on a free transfer left the club without a fee, sparking frustration among fans.
He ultimately joined Real Madrid in a £10 million signing bonus deal, announced just before the FIFA Club World Cup, reuniting him with England teammate Jude Bellingham.
Despite anticipating a mixed reaction upon his return, the 27-year-old insists his affection for Liverpool remains unwavering.
“Whatever way I’m received is up to the fans,” Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime.
“I will always cherish the club, and I will always be a supporter. I’m grateful for the opportunities and the achievements we shared — those memories will stay with me forever.Regardless of the reception I get, my feelings for Liverpool will remain unchanged. I have memories there that will last a lifetime, and no matter how I am received, that will not alter.”
The Bellingham Connection
When Liverpool failed to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund last year, many fans hoped Alexander-Arnold’s close friendship with the midfielder might have helped sway the decision. Instead, the two have reunited in Madrid — leading to speculation that Bellingham may have influenced his former teammate’s choice to leave Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold, however, downplayed that theory.
“Not really,” he explained. “There was a lot of speculation. Jude didn’t try to persuade me or anything like that. But of course, when we were with England, he spoke very highly of Real Madrid — about the club, the culture, and the ambition. That made me think a lot about what I wanted for the next stage of my career.”
A Return Full of Emotion
The upcoming Champions League fixture promises to be a highly charged occasion. Alexander-Arnold — a player who helped Liverpool lift two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy — now returns to face the fans and the club that shaped him.
Having been on the bench for Madrid’s last two La Liga games, he is expected to start at Anfield in what will be one of the most emotional nights of his career.
“It will be special,” he admitted. “Liverpool will always be part of who I am.”
