Stephen Gerrard claimed he did not leave Liverpool in the way Trent Alexander Arnold chose. Twenty years later with the Reds, the right-back switched to Real Madrid earlier this summer. The Los Blancos wanted to secure the Club World Cup service, so they baffled the £8.4 million lump sum payment while also covering their June salary.
Alexander Arnold’s choice didn’t sit well with a particular Liverpool fan. He faced Ease when he was introduced from the bench during his game against Arsenal last season. Gerrard was asked for his thoughts on the saga while appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
He commented:
“I get it. His best buddies play there. Maybe he wants to challenge himself. He’s got it all at Liverpool, so there’s a part of me who really understands that.
“But as soon as you put your Liverpool hat back on, what are you doing? What are you doing? You are definitely one of the best teams in Europe. You’re sitting here now and still dreaming of winning.
“You’re winning the European Cup. You’re one of the main men. The fans adore you. What are you doing? But this is wearing my Liverpool hat, because I love Liverpool.”
Gerrard also believes that Alexander Arnold must accept the backlash that is coming in his way.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, or the next person who floats, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, they’ll get a stick,” he said.
“We are playing games with millions of people paying good money, they’re all on social… you’re going to get a little stick, what that’s.
“The stick on the line, I don’t agree. Abuse, it all, I don’t agree. It’s not for me. It’s just a b******. It has to stop.
“But constructive criticism from fans who are paying for a shirt and some, some, some, some, they deserve anything. They’re either looking at the goals of Torrent on the phone or spending three grounds on going to Dortmund.
“They are the same people who worship him, they spend £90 on their shirts. You have to accept it. Keep doing it. It’s what it is. It’s a constructive opinion of football. You have to continue doing it. You have to accept it.
“I think he took a big risk. He’s a very good footballer and a very talented footballer. He’s one of the best passersby I’ve ever seen and I’ve played with good passersby. He’s with them.
“But I think he took a risk in my opinion and he is now at that point, to leave where Liverpool was in Prime Year and get off on a new contract.
“I love my kids so I hope they do well for him. I love them little by little.
Listen to the full Rio of Steven Gerrard’s interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
