Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his true colors with his reaction to the moment his name and presence at Anfield was booed by Liverpool fans. The England full-back, who left under involuntary circumstances to join Real Madrid last summer after a long period of turmoil with his contract expiring, has returned to Merseyside for the first time since his move.
Despite club captain Dani Carvajal being injured, he was named on the bench for the Champions League match as Alexander-Arnold himself is recovering from a spell on the hospital bed. However, as he warmed up on the Anfield pitch before kick-off, he was met with loud jeers from those in attendance.
More boos were heard inside Anfield as the stadium announcer read out his name on the team sheet, with the angry crowd making their feelings towards the former star defender clear.
The 27-year-old probably expected such a reaction, given that he faced similar jeers when his departure was announced at the end of last season.
And his public reaction seemed to say just as much, as he was surrounded by his teammates in the center of the pitch, and even as he was booed, he couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.
The moment was also featured on Amazon Prime’s pitch broadcast, with presenter Gabby Logan saying: “He greets the staff and some fans just saw a glimpse there. He’s ready for this.”
Pundit and Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney added: “He’s been holding himself back and he’s trying to come out on his own. He’s not going to help himself. Of course he’s going to be emotional. I think his family will be here tonight.”
“It will be emotional for him to return to the club where he spent so many years and had so many great memories, but that’s part of the game.”
Before the match, Alexander-Arnold admitted he respected the crowd’s reaction to his arrival.
He said: “Regardless of how I am perceived, it is up to the fans to decide. I will always love the club and will always be a fan of the club.”
“I am always grateful for the opportunity and what we achieved together will stay with me forever. My feelings for Liverpool remain the same.
“I have memories there that will last a lifetime, and no amount of reception will change that.”
