Steven Gerrard has finally broken his silence on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial move to Real Madrid this summer.
The turmoil continued throughout last season, with Liverpool’s vice-captain refusing to sign a new contract until the end, ultimately forcing him to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer.
With Madrid rushing to register him for the Club World Cup, Liverpool managed to secure a token transfer fee of £8.4 million, a fraction of what the Reds would have received had Alexander-Arnold not terminated his contract.
His decision infuriated Anfield fans and turned him from a beloved hometown hero into a villain in the eyes of many Liverpool supporters.
While several former players, including Jamie Carragher, publicly criticized the move, perhaps Liverpool’s biggest icon, Steven Gerrard, has spoken out his thoughts.
Steven Gerrard gives brutally honest verdict on Trent’s Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast, Gerrard gave his honest opinion on how he felt about the right-back’s move to Madrid.
Gerrard addressed Trent’s situation and understood his decision from a neutral standpoint, but also understood the anger of Liverpool fans. he said:
“This is me talking now without my Liverpool hat on,” he began. “Real Madrid came for me with Mourinho, I’m serious. And it turned my head upside down. I understand. I understand.”
“His best mate is playing there, so maybe he wants to challenge himself. He won everything at Liverpool, so there’s a part of him that really understands that.”
“But as soon as you put on the Liverpool hat, you’re like, ‘What are you doing? What are you doing? You’re definitely one of the best teams in Europe. You’re winning things that I still dream of winning.’
“You’re one of the leading guys. The fans adore you. What are you doing? But this is my Liverpool hat on, because I love Liverpool Football Club…”
Gerrard admits he wouldn’t have done the same as Trent
Gerrard also addressed fan criticism, saying supporters have every right to express their opinion but abuse should never cross the line.
“I understand that he got the whip, so what? I understand. The next person who flirts with Real Madrid or Barcelona will get the whip.
“We’re playing in front of millions of people. You’re going to get some whipping, but that’s what it is. But abuse? That doesn’t concern me. It has to stop. It has to stop.”
“Constructive criticism from the fans who paid to buy the shirts, they’re entitled to their opinions.”
The Liverpool legend admitted he would not have taken the same gamble as Alexander-Arnold, but still believes the 26-year-old is good enough to flourish at Madrid.
“I think he took a big risk. He’s a very good football player and one of the best passers I’ve ever seen, along with Beckham.”
“But it was a risk to leave Liverpool, where he was in his prime, and turn down a new contract. And I think he’s living that risk now.”
“I hope it works out because I love this kid so much. I wouldn’t have done that. But he’s good enough to make it work.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rocky start to Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult start to life in Spain, starting just two La Liga games since his high-profile move to Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal remains Xabi Alonso’s preferred option at right-back when fit, with the England international struggling to find regular minutes.
To make matters worse, Alexander-Arnold’s hopes of breaking into Madrid’s starting XI suffered yet another setback after picking up an injury in mid-September, and he has been sidelined ever since.
But he has Gerrard’s backing to turn his fortunes around and certainly has the qualities to do so.
