Trent Alexander-Arnold: Liverpool’s return to Real Madrid “will not change your feelings” towards the Reds

Alexander-Arnold was one of three senior Liverpool players – along with captain Virgil van Dijk and talisman Mohamed Salah – who entered the final year of their contracts last season.

Van Dijk and Salah ended up signing new two-year contracts in April, after which the spotlight turned solely to the English defender.

Posters were placed outside the stadium by disgruntled fans, questioning his loyalty to the club where he won two league titles, as well as the Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Alexander-Arnold added: “I think the way I am received is the fans’ decision.” “I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had.” [Liverpool gave me] Everything we achieved together will live with me forever.”

He also said he would not celebrate if he scored against Liverpool, and revealed that several former teammates had reached out to him when the Champions League draw was confirmed.

“I talked to Robo [Andy Robertson]a month [Salah]ibo [Ibrahima Konate]Alexander Arnold added. “They were just laughing. I think everyone knew it was going to happen. We were going to put our feelings aside and play the best football we can.”

Alexander-Arnold recently returned to Real Madrid’s squad after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League match against Marseille on September 16.

But he is yet to feature in the team and is likely to start on the bench against Liverpool as 15-time European champions Real – managed by another former Reds player, Xabi Alonso – seek a fourth successive win in this season’s competition.

Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult time since his move to Madrid, as he struggled to establish himself in the first team, was left out of the England squad and sidelined with injury.

But he praised Real Madrid’s English midfielder Jude Bellingham for helping him adapt.

“He’s a great kid and a great friend,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It’s good to have someone else who speaks English here. We understand each other well and know each other well. It’s made settling in a lot easier for me.”