TRENT Alexander-Arnold is expected to receive a hostile reception when he returns to Anfield with Real Madrid for tomorrow night’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Liverpool.
However, the England defender has said no amount of hostility from fans could have an effect on his love for his boyhood club.
Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold rose through the club’s youth ranks and won two English Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with the Merseyside team.
His decision not to sign a new deal at the club prompted an angry response from many Liverpool supporters, who jeered him in a Premier League game against Arsenal in May after he said he wanted to experience a new challenge.
“I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans,” Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime. “I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club.
“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I have got memories there that will last me a lifetime and no matter how I am received, that won’t change.”
Liverpool have struggled in recent weeks, suffering six defeats in their last eight games in all competitions, but Alexander-Arnold said no one at Real would underestimates the Premier League champions.
“It will be a very difficult game, the reception and atmosphere will contribute to that, but more so the football for me,” the 27-year-old added.
“Although they 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.”
Real Madrid are sixth in the 36-team UEFA Champions League table with nine points from three matches, while Liverpool are 10th, three points behind.