Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms 'Agent Jude' theory as Real Madrid make Champions League decision | OneFootball

Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool for the first time since his summer move to Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed Jude Bellingham played a big role in his decision to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.

Prior to announcing the move there was plenty of rumours regarding the defender’s future, with some suggesting Bellingham had turned into an agent for Real Madrid in an attempt to bring his close friend to the Spanish capital.

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video Sport, he said: “There was a lot of speculation… the ‘agent Jude’ stuff. 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.”

Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold are now team-mates for club and country

The FA via Getty Images

Alexander-Arnold is set to face Liverpool for the first time since his departure as Real Madrid are the visitors to Anfield on Tuesday night in yet another Champions League showdown between the two European giants.

Despite the Reds receiving a £10million for the defender after reaching an agreement with Madrid so he could play in the Club World Cup, there is still expected to be animosity for Alexander-Arnold from a large portion of Liverpool fans.

Having already been booed by the Anfield faithful while still at the club, the 27-year-old is expecting another hostile reception but says his love for the club will not be affected.

“I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together… they’ll live with me forever.

“No matter what, my feeling won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I’m received, that won’t change.”

Whatever way I’m received, is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold will have to wait until Tuesday to be reunited with Anfield as Real Madrid have made a decision to not train on Merseyside ahead of the fixture.

Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso - also facing his former side - explained: “It's my decision because we have to prepare for the match and we prefer to do it at our training ground, in our own space, so that we're not surrounded by 200 cameras."