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Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on the influence of Jude Bellingham in his decision to move to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold will return to Anfield on Tuesday for the first time since his $13 million summer as the Reds faces Los Blancos in the Champions League. The full-back is set to make his first start since September 16, after a challenging start to life in the Spanish capital - and he's already said he won't celebrate if he scores.
The 27-year-old’s previous appearance lasted just five minutes against Marseille, leaving him visibly frustrated. A hamstring injury contributed to his slow integration, and he has been an unused substitute in the last two matches, with Xabi Alonso opting for Federico Valverde at right-back.
Alexander-Arnold is known for his close bond with Bellingham, with the pair becoming inseparable during England duty. There had been rumors that Bellingham had persuaded Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool for Spain.
“There was a lot of speculation… the ‘agent Jude’ stuff" said the defender in an interview with Prime Video. "It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid)… we’d meet up at England camps and everyone would want to know what it was like behind the scenes (at Real Madrid )… he said it was incredible, and he’d never seen anything like it.
"The drive from the whole club, to win and the expectation to win. He talked so highly of the club, and I’d made my mind up at the end of the day, I needed a change for me. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch.
"He is a great lad and we are great fans. It is good to have someone who is English and we know each other well. It made settling in easy for me."
On the difference between the Premier League and La Liga, Alexander-Arnold added: "(La Liga) is slightly slower paced, it’s not as much transitional and physical - but it’s difficult in other ways. I’d say on a technical level, it’s much higher (than the Premier League ) if I’m honest."
The England international also revealed that he received messages from Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konaté after the draw confirmed his swift return to Merseyside.
"After the draw, Robbo, Mo and Ibou ( Konate ) all messaged me, we were just laughing," he said. “When the draw was announced, everyone knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come.
"It will be a very difficult game, the reception and atmosphere will contribute to that. Although they (Liverpool) haven’t had the results of late, they’re still a top footballing team, and nobody here thinks it’s going to be an easy game."
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