Trent Alexander-Arnold encounters hostility as he joins Real Madrid ahead of Champions League clash
Trent Alexander-Arnold has arrived in Merseyside as a Real Madrid player ahead of their Champions League clash against Liverpool, reports BritPanorama.
The England international faced a hostile reception as a mural depicting him in a Liverpool shirt was vandalised overnight on Sybil Road near Anfield. The artwork features Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to winning the Champions League in 2019, where he expressed, “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool, whose dream has just come true.” Photos show white paint splattered over the mural.
In addition to the defacement, vandals wrote “Adios El Rata” — translating to “Goodbye Rat” — alongside further statements branding the player a “rat.” This marks the third instance of vandalism on the mural, created by French graffiti artist Akse. The first alteration occurred in 2022 ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton, followed by derogatory additions during his final appearance for Liverpool last May.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool has elicited strong backlash from fans, many of whom booed him in his last appearances. He has been accused of not extending his contract, subsequently hindering the club from collecting a sizeable transfer fee to Real Madrid. His transfer, finalised for £10 million, occurred as part of the Spanish club’s preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Tonight, the two teams will clash at Anfield in their Champions League match-up at 8pm. Alexander-Arnold’s integration into the Real Madrid squad remains complex, having lost his first-choice position owing to a hamstring injury suffered in September. Despite Dani Carvajal’s absence due to injury, manager Xabi Alonso has opted to deploy midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back, limiting Alexander-Arnold’s opportunities on the field.
Speaking about his return, Alexander-Arnold expressed gratitude for his time at Liverpool, stating, “Whatever way I’m received, is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together.” His mixed reception illustrates the tumultuous charm of football, where loyalty and sentiment often collide with the harsh realities of transfer windows.
