The mural honouring former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appears to have been vandalised just hours before his anticipated return to Anfield with Real Madrid. The England star left the Premier League champions for La Liga after his contract expired, leaving under a cloud of controversy. The two-time Premier League and Champions League-winning full-back is set to face a frosty reception upon his reunion with Arne Slot and his ex-team-mates.
Images have surfaced on social media showing graffiti defacing the mural ahead of the Merseyside showdown. White paint seems to have been thrown over the artwork, with various 'rat' references and a message in Spanish that roughly translates to: "Adios the rat." This could mark the second act of vandalism against the tribute in less than six months, following a previous incident where the word 'rat' was scrawled across it shortly before his departure.
The mural was created in 2019, commissioned by Liverpool fan podcast The Anfield Wrap, as a way to celebrate their Champions League-winning season and inspire the next generation.
Located on Sybid Road, in the shadow of the 61,000-capacity stadium, the painting features Alexander-Arnold and his number 66 shirt, along with a quote from the night of their victory at the Wanda Metropolitano: "I'm just a normal lad from Liverpool, whose dream has just come true."
When asked what sort of reception the full-back might expect at Anfield on Tuesday, Slot remained cautious about predicting the crowd's response but confirmed he would offer a "warm welcome" to the Dutchman.
"I can only tell you what kind of reception he gets from me; I have great memories of the player and the human being," he said.
"He was my vice captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive and have memories from watching him on television which were only positive as well – I can remember multiple great moments of his in a Liverpool shirt.
"He will get a warm welcome from me. Let's first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow. How the fans [respond] I have no clue how that's going to be but he gets a warm welcome from me, that's for sure."