“I’ll Always Love the Club”: Trent Alexander-Arnold Returns to Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield on Tuesday with Real Madrid, a trip loaded with emotion for both the player and his boyhood club. The England international left Liverpool after running down his contract, allowing the Premier League champions only a nominal fee. For many fans, the exit tarnished his otherwise celebrated legacy.

Alexander-Arnold, now 27, described leaving Liverpool as “easily the hardest decision” of his life. He has admitted feeling “mixed emotions” about returning as an opponent and has promised not to celebrate if he scores. “No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories that will last me a lifetime,” he said.

On the field, Liverpool has struggled to replace him. Manager Arne Slot has been forced to deploy midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, as Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have failed to fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold. Mohamed Salah and other attackers have struggled without his precise passing and exceptional set-piece delivery. The team’s six defeats in eight matches underscore how much his absence is felt.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold has faced challenges at Real Madrid. He has not played since a hamstring injury in September and, with Dani Carvajal also sidelined, manager Xabi Alonso has preferred using Federico Valverde at right-back. Alexander-Arnold even watched El Clasico from the bench as Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1.

His move to Spain aimed to challenge himself among football’s elite and boost his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. However, limited game time has already cost him a place in recent England squads. For now, Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield is a test of emotion, legacy, and the stark contrast between past glory and present struggles.