A Local Boy Returns as an Opponent, Mixed Reactions at Anfield

English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who spent over 20 years at Liverpool, has left his boyhood club after receiving boos from some supporters, and is now donning the famous white of Real Madrid. The local lad is returning to Anfield in a new role, as an opponent, for a UEFA Champions League match scheduled for tonight (Tuesday) at 2:00 AM. His return to his old home has sparked mixed reactions from the fans.

Upon arriving at Liverpool, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, along with Alexander-Arnold, defender D. Huijsen, and Real Madrid’s director Emilio Butragueño, paid tribute to the club’s late star, Diego Jota. A wreath was laid, and Trent also penned an emotional letter to his former teammate. In the heartfelt message, he wrote, “Diego, although we miss you, everyone loves you. Your memory, along with Andre’s (Jota’s brother), will live on forever. Whenever I think of you, the old memories bring joy and warmth.”

The end of Alexander-Arnold’s time at Liverpool was not on the best of terms. It remains to be seen how the Anfield crowd will welcome him back. The anticipation surrounding this moment is also shared by Real Madrid coach Alonso, who himself played for Liverpool. Alonso commented, “We haven’t discussed how Trent will be received here, but we’ve spoken a lot about our team and this club. He has his own feelings about the situation and should enjoy this moment in his own way. His story here is different from mine because he was born and raised in Liverpool. I remember him coming through the academy and winning the Champions League with them. I hope he enjoys his return.”

In the previous match against Valencia in La Liga, the 27-year-old defender was absent. While Alonso hasn’t confirmed if Trent will feature in the upcoming match against Liverpool, he has suggested it is a possibility. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, has stated that the club is preparing a warm welcome for their former player. “I can only speak about how he’ll be received by us,” said Slot. “I have great memories of him both as a player and a person. He was my vice-captain last season, and I know his work ethic and positive attitude firsthand.”

However, Slot couldn’t guarantee how the Liverpool fans will react to their former star now playing for the opposition. “I have good memories of the moments we shared in the Liverpool shirt. From my side, there will be a warm reception for him, but we’ll see if he plays and how the fans react. I can’t predict their response, but I can assure you that he will be treated well by us.”

It’s also worth noting that under Slot’s management, Liverpool won the Premier League title in his first season. However, this season, they are on the back foot after four consecutive defeats, although their most recent game was a win. With 18 points from 10 matches, they sit in third place in the Premier League. In the Champions League, Slot’s team has earned 6 points from three matches, placing them 10th. Meanwhile, Real Madrid sits in 5th place, having won all three of their Champions League matches so far.