The right-back’s departure from Anfield has been difficult for fans, as he opted to join the Spanish giants after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with Liverpool. ..Continue Reading
Alexander-Arnold officially became a Real Madrid player at the start of June, signing a six-year contract with the club. To ensure his participation in the upcoming Club World Cup, Real Madrid paid a fee to finalize the transfer early.
Having been a key figure in Liverpool’s resurgence at both domestic and European levels, his exit on a free transfer has been particularly painful for Reds supporters, who watched as he was introduced by his new club in Madrid.
Unlike the grand unveilings typically reserved for Real Madrid’s marquee signings, Alexander-Arnold’s presentation was more understated.
Seated alongside his family and partner, he surprised many by showcasing his ability to speak Spanish fluently, demonstrating how quickly he has adapted to his new surroundings.
‘This doesn’t happen every day,’ Alexander-Arnold said in impressive Spanish. ‘It’s a dream come true, I’m very happy and proud to be here.
‘I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. I do realise I’m signing for Real Madrid and that the demands are high, but I’m going to give my all for the team. I want to win many titles and play alongside the best players.’
Later in the unveiling, Alexander-Arnold confirmed he had been learning for a ‘few months’.
With the suggestion the right-back was already preparing for life in Spain while playing for Liverpool every week, fans back in the UK were not impressed.
‘He’s been learning Spanish for two years. He ran down his contract knowing full well this move was happening,’ one fan fumed.
‘While Liverpool were trying to win the league Trent Alexander-Arnold was learning Spanish,’ another added.
In one particularly damning comment, The Anfield Buzz wrote: ‘Our ex vice-captain has been learning Spanish for 2 years, our ex vice-captain joined a club that has beaten us in two European Cup finals and our ex vice-captain left on a free. This is a bridge that will never be repaired. The legacy of Trent Alexander-Arnold.’
After his intentions to join Real emerged in May, Alexander-Arnold was booed by fans who viewed his decision to leave the club as a betrayal.
Former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp blasted those who jeered the player, revealing he ‘turned off the television’ when he heard the treatment Alexander-Arnold was receiving after coming off the bench against Arsenal.
‘I don’t tell you you should not be angry, you should not be disappointed, I tell you don’t forget,’ Klopp said. ‘This club doesn’t forget. Honestly, I could not have been more disappointed at this moment.’
With those comments still fresh in the memory, Klopp also took some pelters in Alexander-Arnold’s unveiling from fans bemused with the German’s decision to defend a player they have labelled a ‘Judas’.
‘Serious conversations need to be had about Klopp and how he brainwashed the fans. He’s not Mr Liverpool, to tell us what to do. Don’t let him back in Anfield,’ one fuming fan wrote.
Another said: ‘Klopp needs to get done for this. I can’t believe the s**t he pulled last month. Publicly shaming Liverpool fans for booing him.’
LFCLaurie added: ‘I never thought anyone could ever top Michael Owen, but Trent is the biggest Judas we’ve ever had.
‘The fact Klopp got the fans to cheer him on the final day makes me sick. Should be booed out the ground if he ever comes back to Anfield.’
Alexander-Arnold will be in contention to make his debut for Los Blancos in their opening game of their Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal on Wednesday 18 June.
