Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that his former Liverpool teammates Andrew Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate shared a laugh with him after the Reds were drawn against Real Madrid in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
The English right-back stated that a match against his former club felt “destined” to happen. Alexander-Arnold is set to return to his childhood club on Tuesday, November 4, when Real Madrid faces Liverpool in what will be both teams’ fourth match of this season’s competition.
Given the circumstances of his departure, the 27-year-old could face a hostile reception from the Anfield faithful. Alexander-Arnold recently sat down for an interview with Prime Video Sport, where he was asked to sum up his emotions about returning to Anfield as an opponent.
“I think when the draw was announced, everyone kind of knew it was going to happen,” Alexander-Arnold said. “It was destined for that fixture to come. Obviously, they are a top team. I knew at some stage, at some point, I’d end up going back there or playing against Liverpool either here or there. And it’s happening so soon. So, yeah, mixed emotions. I think it will be a very difficult game, but one that I’m excited for—a huge game on a huge stage. To go and try and perform.”
When asked if he still communicates with his former teammates or if they messaged him after the draw, he added: “Yeah. I spoke to Robbo, Mo, and Ibou after the draw. We were just laughing because everybody knew it was going to happen. You’ve got to put emotions aside and play the best football game that you can.”
Alexander-Arnold came through the ranks at Liverpool, spending 20 years at the Merseyside club. During his time there, he scored 23 goals and provided 92 assists in 354 appearances across all competitions.
In the same interview, Alexander-Arnold affirmed that his feelings for Liverpool will remain unchanged regardless of how he is received on his return to Anfield.
“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool,” he said when asked if receiving a good reception would give him closure. “I have got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I am received, that won’t change.”
Further confirming his affinity for his childhood club, Alexander-Arnold also revealed that he will not celebrate if he scores against Liverpool in Tuesday’s meeting.
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*Edited by Ezekiel Olamide*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-it-destined-alexander-arnold-names-3-liverpool-players-laughed-champions-league-clash-vs-real-madrid-got-confirmed