Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on the messages he received from his former team-mates Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson ahead of a Tuesday night reunion when Real Madrid visit Anfield in the Champions League.
The 27-year-old called time on his 20-year career with the Reds this summer, signing for Real Madrid in a 10million move a month before his contract with his boyhood club expired.
Now, fate has handed the England international an early opportunity to face his former side, after Liverpool and Real Madrid were drawn together in the League phase of this seasons Champions League.
Trent Alexander-Arnold on his Liverpool return
Alexander-Arnold, who has endured something of a slow start to his Madrid career following a hamstring injury, could be set for a mixed reception from Reds fans, given the boos he received when he came on as a substitute against Arsenal at the end of last season, once he had announced his departure.
But there appears to be no ill-will among his former team-mates, as Alexander-Arnold revealed that his old pals were in touch as soon as the draw was made.
"After the draw, Robbo, Mo and Ibou (Konate) all messaged me, we were just laughing, he told Prime Video Sport.
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) havent had the results of late, theyre still a top footballing team, and nobody here thinks its going to be an easy game."
Alexander-Arnold made more than 350 appearances over a nine-year spell for Liverpool and was ranked at No.2 in FourFourTwos list of the best right-backs in the world this summer and he insists the circumstances of his departure and the potential negative reception he may receive on Tuesday night havent diminished his love for the club.
Whatever way Im received, is the decision of the fans. Ill always love the club, Ill always be a fan of the club, he added. Ill always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together theyll live with me forever. No matter what, my feeling wont change towards Liverpool. Ive got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I'm received, that wont change."
He adds that should he find the back of the net at Anfield, he will not celebrate: If I was to score, then I wouldnt celebrate. No."
The game will also see Jude Bellingham return to English soil, and Alexander-Arnold has admitted that his international team-mate played a key part in his decision to move to Spain
There was a lot of speculation the agent Jude stuff, he continues. It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid) wed 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 hed 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 Id 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."
