Trent Alexander-Arnold admits he has ‘mixed feelings’ as he prepares to return to former club Liverpool with Real Madrid.
La Liga leaders Madrid travel to Anfield on Tuesday night to face Alexander-Arnold’s boyhood club Liverpool in the Champions League.
It will be the first time Alexander-Arnold faces his former club since he decided to leave and join Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold made over 350 appearances for Liverpool and helped the club win two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his spell on Merseyside.
‘When the [Champions League] draw was made, everyone knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come out,’ Alexander-Arnold told Amazon Prime.
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‘Obviously they’re a top team so I knew at some stage, at some point, I would end up playing against Liverpool, but it’s happening so soon.
‘There were a few messages after the draw from Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo [Mohamed Salah]. Everyone was just laughing because everyone knew it was going to happen.
‘So, yeah, I’ve got mixed emotions. It will be a very difficult game but one I’m excited for. Huge game, huge stage to go and try and perform.
‘You need to try and put the emotions to one side and play the best game you can.’
Liverpool won the Premier League in Alexander-Arnold’s final season at Anfield but their title defence has started poorly.
Arne Slot’s side lost four league games in a row before Saturday’s win over Aston Villa to slip seven points behind early pacesetters and new title favourites Arsenal.
Despite Liverpool’s worrying slump, Alexander-Arnold expects a difficult game at Anfield, both for Real Madrid and himself as he returns to his boyhood club.
‘Of course the reception and the atmosphere at Anfield will contribute but more so the football for me,’ the 27-year-old added.
‘Having played with the lads and under the coach I understand how strong a team they are.
‘Although they haven’t had the results of late they’re still a top footballing team and nobody here thinks it will be an easy game.’
Some Liverpool fans booed Alexander-Arnold once he went public with his decision to leave Anfield last season.
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The England star says the reception he receives on Tuesday night will ‘not change’ his relationship with the club.
‘Whichever way I’m received is the decision of the fans,’ he said. ‘I’ll always love the club and be a fan of the club and be thankful for the opportunity and the things we achieved together.
‘No matter what my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool, I’ve got memories to last me a lifetime and that won’t change however I’m received.’
Alexander-Arnold also promised not to celebrate if he was to score against Liverpool.
‘I haven’t thought that far ahead but no, if I was to score I wouldn’t celebrate,’ he added.
‘It will be a bit different going into the away changing room and warming up on the other side of the pitch. Everything will feel a lot different for me but it’s all part of the game.’
Real Madrid are fifth in the Champions League group phase with a perfect record after three games, while Liverpool are 10th with two wins and one defeat.
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