Arnold: No Matter How Liverpool Fans Treat Me, I Will Always Love the Reds and Support Them

Recently, Real Madrid player Trent Alexander-Arnold gave an exclusive interview to Camel Live. The English right-back shared his feelings after joining Real Madrid this summer and talked about the upcoming return to Anfield Stadium.

Q: You’ll be back at Liverpool soon. Tell us about your current mood—how do you feel right now?

A: I think as soon as the draw results came out, everyone knew this game would most likely happen. For me, even though I only left Liverpool this summer, I always felt it was meant to be—we’d have a showdown like this. Liverpool is still a top-tier team. I also knew I’d return to that stadium sooner or later, or they’d come to our home ground.

But to be honest, I really didn’t expect to face them so soon, so I have mixed feelings right now. I think it’ll be a very, very tough game, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s an important match on a big stage, and I’ll give my all to put in a great performance.

Q: When you say the game will be “very, very tough,” do you mean the difficulty on the pitch, the reception and atmosphere, or both?

A: The reception and atmosphere will definitely impact the game, but for me, the main challenge is on the football side. I used to play with that group of teammates and train under that manager—I know how strong they are. Even though their recent results haven’t been ideal, they’re still a top team. No one on our side thinks it’ll be an easy game.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with many players there? Are you still friends? Did any former Liverpool teammates message you after the draw?

A: Of course. After the draw, I received a lot of messages from my former Liverpool teammates, including Robertson and Salah. They joked around and said they’re looking forward to my return, but I think deep down, everyone knows this situation would happen sooner or later. You have to put personal emotions aside and do your best to play the best game possible. I hope I can help Real Madrid win this match.

Q: If you score against Liverpool, will you celebrate?

A: I haven’t thought that far ahead. Like I said, we’ll first make sure we win the game. Securing victory is our top priority when we visit Anfield.

Q: You must have thought about this scenario, right?

A: Honestly, not at all. And if I do score, I won’t celebrate. No way.

Q: When you walk into Anfield, the home team usually goes left and the away team right. Will you instinctively go the wrong way?

A: I’ll remember. I’ll make sure I don’t make a mistake that gets talked about everywhere. I don’t want that video clip to spread around. I’ll stay very focused and remember which side I should take. Of course, going to the away dressing room and warming up on the other side will all feel very different. But that’s part of the game.

Q: Did you ever think you’d be in Anfield’s away dressing room one day?

A: It might sound irrational, but when I made the decision to leave Liverpool, I knew this day would come sooner or later—I’d face Liverpool again. It’s inevitable.

Q: If you get the reception you deserve—a warm welcome—would that feel like a kind of “farewell closure” for you?

A: I think no matter how the fans or others there treat me, that’s their choice. I will always love that club, I will always be a fan of that club, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities they gave me.

The achievements we made together will stay with me for life. They’ll be wonderful memories in my career, so no matter what, my feelings for Liverpool will never change. I have a lifetime of great memories there. Like I said, no matter how the fans treat me on the day, that won’t change.”