Trent Alexander-Arnold has announced his emotional exit from Liverpool and with a move to Real Madrid expected to be confirmed, Reds icon Jamie Carragher has issued his thoughts
Comments
Sport
Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher has issued his response to Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool exit
(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has claimed that Liverpool will “never be happy” with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s heartbreaking exit. The defender has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
He has not confirmed where his next move will be, although it is widely expected that he will put pen to paper on a move to Real Madrid. Some Liverpool fans have been less than complimentary in response to the announcement, something that has left other supporters baffled.
But Reds icon Carragher has claimed that it is only natural given the current position of the club. Writing in a column for The Telegraph, the former defender said: “Real are one of only two clubs to have won more European Cups than Liverpool, so when a top-class academy player makes this kind of a move, there is a simmering resentment from the local fanbase that they are trying to separate themselves from ‘their own’, or think there is something bigger or better out there for them.
“You can call that unfair, naive or even deluded all you like. In trying to explain how it is, people jump on me and tell me it is wrong to think that way, and Alexander-Arnold should be wished well on his new adventure.
“Would Manchester United have been happy to see Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes leave in their prime for Real Madrid? Would Chelsea have wished John Terry all the best had he followed Jose Mourinho to Spain for nothing? How would Arsenal fans feel if Bukayo Saka said he wants to fulfil a lifetime ambition to wear the white shirt in the Bernabeu?”
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury decision speaks volumes as Liverpool star announces exitREAD MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold snubs Jurgen Klopp warning which could haunt departing Liverpool star
And in attempting to explain the adverse reaction further, Carragher has claimed that it would be the same among Europe’s biggest clubs including Real, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester United.
Despite Alexander-Arnold being an academy graduate, he has suggested that the defender would get a similar response to Luis Suarez at Anfield during his return with Barcelona. He added: “With Monday’s statement, the unconditional support Alexander-Arnold enjoyed from the Kop when he was fully committed to Liverpool has gone.
“It has to be this way at the biggest clubs. Premier League champions and European giants will never be happy that one of their best players has joined Real Madrid.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already announced his Liverpool exit
Has Alexander-Arnold made the right decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Alexander-Arnold’s announcement means that he has just three games remaining as a Liverpool player. Arne Slot’s side take on Arsenal this weekend ahead of a trip to Brighton.
His final outing at Anfield will come on the last day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace. The defender will also get the chance to lift the trophy that day.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.