Trent Alexander-Arnold faced boos from parts of the Anfield audience when he was introduced as a substitute for Liverpool in the match against Arsenal on Sunday.
The lifelong Liverpool supporter was making his first appearance since declaring his intention to depart the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer. Having secured every major trophy, including the Premier League title this season, Alexander-Arnold stated his desire for a “change” and to seek a “new challenge”.
The England international acknowledged that “the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset”. He was not wrong.
When he replaced Conor Bradley in the 67th minute of Sunday’s match, he was greeted with boos from a fanbase that once celebrated him as “the Scouser in our team”.
Disgruntled fans also pointedly chanted in favour of his outgoing teammate, singing: “There’s only one Conor Bradley.”
Alexander-Arnold didn’t particularly help his case by swiftly playing Mikel Merino onside as the Arsenal midfielder nodded in a rebound from Martin Odegaard’s long-range swipe to level the score at 2-2.
While undoubtedly upsetting, this reception could not have been a surprise for Alexander-Arnold. The proud Liverpudlian, whose childhood home was on the route of the open-top bus parade for the 2005 Champions League triumph, was booed in the pre-match warmup.
When multiple outlets reported that Alexander-Arnold had decided to join Real Madrid back in March, posters were spotted around Merseyside which questioned the player’s motives. “Loyalty or lolly”, one read, while another warned: “Mate or traitor. Take ya pick Trent.”
Liverpool are away to Brighton next Monday before finishing the campaign with one final match for Alexander-Arnold at Anfield against Crystal Palace on May 25. There will no doubt be a more positive atmosphere as the Reds are presented with the Premier League trophy, although it remains to be seen what reaction the club’s departing academy gem will receive when he hoists the piece of silverware aloft.
