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Liverpool fans are relishing the fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield with Real Madrid.
The England international said goodbye to his boyhood club after 20 years in the summer, joining Real Madrid after his Liverpool contract expired. In a rare move, Real even paid Liverpool around $11.7 million to ensure Alexander-Arnold could feature in this summer’s Club World Cup.
The defender was seen in tears as Liverpool lifted the Premier League title at Anfield at the end of last season, marking his final appearance in a red shirt. Now, following Thursday’s draw for the Champions League league phase he is set for an emotional return to Merseyside.
Once the fixture was revealed Reds fans took to X to share their thoughts on the 26-year-old's return.
One user said: "We need to make sure that those 90 minutes at Anfield are the most uncomfortable of Trent Alexander-Arnold's life. I cannot wait."
Another user added: "So glad we got Real Madrid again, Trent needs to be humbled for his PR and ego stunt." A third user said: "We need to ensure those 90 minutes are the worst of Trent Alexander-Arnold's life."
While a fourth person said: "Trent Alexander Arnold is returning to ANFIELD! Every touch he gets, you will hear the loudest boo. This will surely be hell for him. He will regret the decision of leaving Liverpool. It’s not that we hate him, but he should be reminded of the paradise he left for something else. Bring it on Anfield!"
Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid at Anfield, along with home fixtures against Qarabag and PSV Eindhoven. Their away schedule includes a trip to the San Siro to face last season’s runners-up Inter Milan, as well as challenging visits to Hugo Ekitike's former side Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as Marseille, and Galatasaray.
Alexander-Arnold featured in Real Madrid’s season opener but was limited to a substitute appearance in their most recent match against Real Oviedo, with manager Xabi Alonso opting for Dani Carvajal instead.
The defender initially faced boos from Liverpool fans after expressing his desire to leave the club, though attitudes softened in the final weeks of the campaign. His upcoming return to Anfield in a white shirt will be watched closely to see what reception he receives.
Liverpool.com says: Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield will be one of the most compelling storylines of the Champions League league phase. For some Liverpool fans, his decision to leave for Real Madrid still stings, and the sight of him in a white shirt on Merseyside may be difficult to accept.
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