Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed how he feels about his Liverpool homecoming, including whether he will celebrate if he gets on the scoresheet.
Anfield will have a vibrant atmosphere on Tuesday night as Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League, a match which seesTrent Alexander-Arnold line up against his old club.
The former fan favourite understood a return to his boyhood club’s stadium was inevitable, but he did not realise it would come just months after his departure.
He told Prime Video Sport: “I think when the draw was announced everyone kind of knew it was gonna happen. You know, destined for that fixture to come, obviously the top team.
“So I knew at some stage I’d end up going back there or playing against Liverpool, either here or there, it’s happening so soon.
“So yeah, mixed emotions. I think it’ll be a very, very difficult game, but one that I’m excited for. Huge game on a huge stage to go and try and perform.”
Alexander-Arnold is expecting the Liverpool supporters to raise the roof during the European fixture in order to provide their team with the advantage.
However, he believes the battle on the pitch will be the toughest aspect of his return to Merseyside.
“Of course, the reception and the atmosphere will contribute,” the defender continued, “but more so the football. For me, having played there with the lads and under the coach, I understand how good of a team they are.
“And 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.”
Liverpool’s recent form has been disastrous, but Arne Slot’s men did secure a convincing 5-1 victory against Frankfurt in their last Champions League match. The Reds triumphed at the weekend too, with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Despite this, an even greater performance will be needed against Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid, who have won all bar one of their matches this season.
The fixture is bound to be competitive, with both sides eager to wrap up all three points, but the 27-year-old has no desire to disrespect his former club.
Alexander-Arnold was asked if he would celebrate a goal at Anfield and he gave a decisive answer which revealed his true feelings for Liverpool.
“No. If I was to score, then no, I wouldn’t celebrate,” the right-back said.
Of course, there is always a chance that Alexander-Arnold will forget which team he is playing for in such familiar surroundings and place the ball in the back of his own net.
This is a situation he is keen to avoid and he expects this visit to Anfield to feel different from previous ones.
Asked if he would remember to shoot towards the correct end, Alexander-Arnold added: “I’ll make sure I don’t have like, I don’t want any of those kind of clips. I’m gonna be very focused on which way I go.
“But no doubt that’ll be a big difference as well for me, spawning to the away changing room, warming up on the other side, everything will feel a lot different for me. But, you know, it’s all part of the game.”
Liverpool have faced Real Madrid an astonishing six times in the Champions League since the 2018 final, which the La Liga side won 3-1.
However, Alexander-Arnold had not thought about the prospect of coming to Anfield as an away player.
When asked if he ever imagined playing against Liverpool, he replied: “If I’m honest, no. When I made the decision to move on, it was always going to be destined that at some point whilst being here I was going to play Liverpool again, that it was gonna happen.”
Alexander-Arnold is not yet sure what kind of reception he will receive at Liverpool, but he is insistent it will not affect how he views the club.
The England international may be wearing a white shirt when he graces the famous Anfield turf, but he has fond memories of what he achieved at Liverpool, including two Premier League triumphs and a Champions League win in 2019.
“I think whichever way I’m received, there is a decision for the fans,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“I’ll always love the club. I’ll always be a fan of the club. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and and the things that we achieve together will live in me forever.
“So no matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime. And like I said, no matter how I’m received, that won’t change.”
Liverpool’s clash with Real Madrid will kick off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday night.
