Arnold speaks out on Liverpool reunion and 'agent Jude' and makes goal celebration vow

Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks out on Liverpool reunion and 'agent Jude' and makes goal celebration vow

Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken ahead of his return to Anfield with Real Madrid in the Champions League this week

Trent Alexander-Arnold insists his love of Liverpool won't be affected by a hostile reception this week on his first Anfield return since his contentious departure to Real Madrid. And the right-back is adamant he will not celebrate should he score against his former club when they meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old was targeted for abuse by significant sections of the Anfield crowd in May on his first appearance since confirming he would not sign a new contract with the Reds, a decision which ultimately led to his move to Real Madrid the following month in a deal worth £10m.

Alexander-Arnold, though, was given a huge reception on his farewell appearance on the final day of last season when Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy.

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And he said: “Whichever way I’m received is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club.

"I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together, they’ll live with me forever.

"No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I'm received, that won’t change.

"It's mixed emotions. It will be a very, very difficult game, but one that I'm excited for. A huge game and a huge stage to go and try to perform.

"It will be a big difference walking into the away changing room, warming up on the other side, everything will feel a lot different to me."

Alexander-Arnold added: “After the draw, Robbo (Andy Robertson), Mo (Salah) and Ibou (Konate) all messaged me, we were just laughing. It was destined for that fixture to come.

"It will be a very difficult game, the reception and atmosphere will contribute to that, but more so the football for me. Having played there with the lads and under the coach, I understand how good a team they are.

"They are a top team and I knew at some stage I'd end up going back there or playing against Liverpool here (in Madrid).

"Although they (Liverpool) haven’t had the results of late, they’re still a top footballing team, and nobody here thinks it’s going to be an easy game."

Alexander-Arnold is vying for a start for Xabi Alonso's side having been on the bench the last two games following more than a month out with a hamstring problem.

And asked if he will celebrate should he score on Tuesday, Alexander-Arnold responded: “You've got to put your emotions to one side and play the best football game you can. (But) if I was to score, then I wouldn’t celebrate, to be honest, no."

Alexander-Arnold has also addressed the influence of Jude Bellingham on his move to Real Madrid, with his England international team-mate and close friend having made the move to the European Super League advocates two years earlier.

“There was a lot of speculation - the ‘agent Jude’ stuff," said the defender to Prime Video. "It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid). We’d meet up at England camps and everyone would want to know what it was like behind the scenes (at Real Madrid), he said it was incredible and he’d never seen anything like it.

"The drive from the whole club to win and the expectation to win. He talked so highly of the club, and I’d made my mind up at the end of the day, I needed a change for me. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch. It's a dream come true for me.

“(La Liga) is slightly slower paced, it’s not as much transitional and physical - but it’s difficult in other ways. I’d say on a technical level, it’s much higher (than the Premier League) if I’m honest."

Prime reporter Alex Aljoe interviewed Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of Liverpool v Real Madrid, streaming exclusively on Prime Video at no additional cost to members.

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