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Liverpool hero Dietmar Hamann believes Trent Alexander-Arnold should get a “hero’s welcome” when he returns to Anfield later this year.
Alexander-Arnold left his boyhood club during the summer in order to join Real Madrid. Despite reaching the end of his contract at Anfield, the Spanish giant had to pay Liverpool around $13 million in order to sign him in time for the Club World Cup.
The 26-year-old’s departure did not go down well with a lot of supporters, with Alexander-Arnold having been booed by Reds fans shortly after announcing his decision to leave club, although the reaction was much more muted when he made his final appearance for the club against Crystal Palace.
He won’t have to wait long to make his return to Merseyside though, with Liverpool having once again been drawn against Real in the league phase of this season’s Champions League.
Xabi Alonso’s side is due to visit Anfield on November 4, and supporters have already suggested Alexander-Arnold will be in for a hostile return should he play.
Former midfielder and 2005 Champions League winner Hamann though has insisted he should be given a positive reception, and suggested supporters will eventually have to admit they miss him.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold will get a mixed reaction due to the way he left the club. I hope he receives a good reception, I think he deserves a hero's welcome,” Hamann told Adventure Gamers.
“He was loved by the city, gave everything for 10 years, and never cost the club a penny, despite leaving on a free. He's been a tremendous player.
“In the first couple of games, people are reluctant to admit it because many are upset about his departure, but Liverpool miss him. He was a playmaker from the right-back position. While Dominik Szoboszlai can now fill that role, players like Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley aren't the same.
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“I believe there will be times when people realize they miss him, and that's why he should get a hero's reception. I fear he won't, but I wish he does.”
Liverpool.com says: That's an... interesting view from Hamann. We don't think many Liverpool fans will share it though.
The manner of Alexander-Arnold's exit left a sour taste for many supporters, and you only need to look at the reception he got after making his announcement to know that he won't be getting a hero's welcome when he returns with Real.
And nor should he. He's made his bed, now he has to lie in it.
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