Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed on his return to Anfield on Tuesday evening as Liverpool went head-to-head with Real Madrid in the Champions League. The right-back departed Liverpool to sign for the Spanish side ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer.
Alexander-Arnold progressed through the Liverpool academy before being handed his first debut by Jurgen Klopp in 2016. He went on to play 354 games for the club and helped the team win the Champions League, the Club World Cup and two Premier League titles.
After announcing his decision to leave Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold was jeered by some Reds fans when he came on as a substitute against Arsenal in May.
A mural honouring the 27-year-old then appeared to have been vandalised hours before the European encounter.
And the star received a frosty reception from some supporters after coming back to Anfield as a Madrid player.
He came out to warm up before kick-off and was roundly booed by the home supporters, though he reacted by producing a smirk when the loud jeers rang around Anfield.
Further boos took place when his name was read out by the stadium announcer.
Alexander-Arnold was asked about possible reception he might get from Liverpool fans when he was interviewed by Amazon Prime in the lead up to the game.
And the defender explained: “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, they’ll live with me forever.
“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime and, no matter how I’m received, that won’t change.”
Meanwhile, Reds boss Arne Slot said ahead of the game: “He was my vice-captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive and have memories from watching him on television which were only positive as well – I can remember multiple great moments of his in a Liverpool shirt.
“He will get a warm welcome from me. Let’s first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow.
“How the fans [respond], I have no clue how that’s going to be, but he gets a warm welcome from me, that’s for sure.”
Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League fixtures, Liverpool occupied 10th spot in the table after winning two of their first three matches. Madrid found themselves in fifth place after winning all three of their opening clashes. The sides met in the same competition last November, with Slot’s side winning that game 2-0.