Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has revealed what he really thought about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial decision to join Real Madrid.

The defender sparked an outcry among Reds supporters when he announced his decision to move to Spain, with initial reports suggesting he would leave his childhood team for free after two decades. 

Nevertheless, Arne Slot’s team managed to negotiate a £10 million transfer fee with Madrid, allowing Alexander-Arnold to make an early move and participate in the Club World Cup. 

And now, Werner has conceded that he and other club chiefs shared the disappointment of many fans.

The 75-year-old businessman diplomatically thanked Alexander-Arnold for his contributions, but could not completely hide his emotions.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner admitted he was disappointed at Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave

Werner said he sympathises with Liverpool fans and revealed that the whole club hierarchy were also disappointed

Alexander-Arnold controversially joined Real Madrid on a near free after 20 years with the Reds

‘We do respect the fact that Trent has moved on,’ Werner told Liverpool Echo. 

‘I recently shared a story about seeing Trent during the season’s final weekend. Alongside Billy [Hogan, chief executive], I wanted to personally express our gratitude for his tremendous contributions to the club. 

‘He showed me a picture when he was seven years old, when he was a young kid at the academy, and I have a lot of fondness for all that he has done and so it is time for him to move and time for us to replace him. 

‘We do wish him well and I understand the emotions of supporters who were disappointed and we were disappointed too but it is overshadowed by my wonderful memories of him.’

Werner went on to share a standout memory of Alexander-Arnold in red, and reminisced over his assist to Divock Origi in the 2019 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Alexander-Arnold quickly took a corner to catch Barca’s defence napping, which was tapped in by Origi. The goal sealed a historic 4-0 win at Anfield and overturned a three-goal deficit from the first leg to secure Liverpool a spot in the final.

‘I’ll never forget that pass he made, the corner he took, for the fourth goal against Barcelona,’ Werner added.

‘That was just a work of genius and as a football fan, watching some of his assists, the way he would pass the ball 30-plus yards to a specific point and create a goal was just… no wonder Real Madrid are delighted.’

Alexander-Arnold has been getting used to wearing Madrid’s colours at the Club World Cup

He angered Liverpool fans even more when he addressed the public in fluent Spanish earlier this month

Alexander-Arnold caused even more anger among fans when he addressed the public in Spanish during his Madrid unveiling.

His aptitude in the language left many wondering just how long he has been practicing, and whether he had been planning his move to Spain longer than most would have thought.

However, he shortly after insisted that he had only been learning the language for a few months.

Alexander-Arnold has had this summer’s Club World Cup to ease into life at Madrid, before properly being put under the spotlight next season.

At times, Xabi Alonso has utilised the 26-year-old as a wing back, which has reaped dividends.

Asked about his new role, Alexander-Arnold stressed that he enjoyed it and it is something he expects to do more of under Alonso.

‘I enjoyed it [playing as wing back]. Adapting to a new role in a new team is always going to be a challenge but I enjoy challenges. It gets the best out of me personally,’ he told Mail Sport. ‘Everyone’s got to get used to it.

‘It worked clearly and that’s a good start. There’s still work to do but it’s good signs and our best game so far. I’m enjoying being a part of this team and I love playing football. No matter where I play, I love playing the game.’