Liverpool captain refuses to back Anfield welcome for Alexander-Arnold – ‘Will see how fans receive him’ | OneFootball

The football world is set for an emotional reunion tonight as Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, with all eyes on Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

The English full-back returns to Anfield for the first time since leaving the Reds last summer to join Los Blancos, and his comeback has sparked plenty of discussion both in Spain and England.

For Alexander-Arnold, this fixture carries deep personal significance. He will be walking out against players who were once teammates, close friends, and daily companions in the Liverpool dressing room. 

Among them stands Virgil van Dijk, the towering Dutch defender who shared some of the club’s most successful years with the defender under Jurgen Klopp.

Reception for Trent

Van Dijk was asked about Alexander-Arnold’s return, and the defender gave a typically calm and reserved response.

“We’ll see how the fans receive him. I’m not going to say I want a hostile environment. I’m not going to comment on it,” said the centre-back.

When pressed further on how he personally feels about his former teammate, Van Dijk chose to remain diplomatic, offering only a brief acknowledgement of Alexander-Arnold’s impact at the club.

Trent Alexander Arnold will return to Anfield. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“Do you (the press) want it to be hostile? I think he was a very important player at Liverpool, that’s all I’m going to say,” added the Dutchman.

No bad blood

While many expected a more emotional reaction, Van Dijk’s tone remained neutral. 

He admitted that his contact with Trent has been limited since the transfer, but insisted there is no bad blood between them.

“It’s not something personal, obviously, I have my life here and he has his in Madrid. Trent is a player with a lot of quality, and he has shown that here for many years. 

“It has been very important to us all this time. I was very happy with him in my team and together we have achieved a lot of things, but now he is a rival. 

“If he plays, we will have to make things very difficult for him,” he explained to the media.

The Dutch defender’s restrained comments reflect the complicated emotions surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s departure. 

Many Liverpool supporters were stunned and even angered by his decision to leave. Van Dijk, aware of that sentiment, appears determined to keep his focus on the match rather than reopen old wounds.

Source: SPORT