Liverpool legend questions Alexander-Arnold’s decision to join Real Madrid – ‘He has taken a big risk’ | OneFootball

Former Liverpool captain and club legend Steven Gerrard has voiced his thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield for Real Madrid this past summer.

While Gerrard admitted he understands why Alexander-Arnold made the move, he was clear that it is not a choice he would have made himself.

Discussing the transfer in a podcast with Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard explained, “Any player would pay attention if Barcelona or Real Madrid came after him.

“Madrid came after me when Mourinho was there, seriously. And I heard about it. It wasn’t talked about much because we said no pretty quickly, but I heard about it. They had my attention.

“It’s Real Madrid. No matter who you are, if those clubs come calling, you think about it. And if you don’t, you’re not human.

“That’s why I understand Trent’s situation. His best friend plays there, maybe he wants a new challenge.

“He’s already won everything at Liverpool. There’s a part of me that understands that.”

Gerrard reflects on loyalty, risk, and criticism

Despite understanding the decision, Gerrard questioned it from the perspective of loyalty and career priorities. “But when I put on the Liverpool shirt, I think, what are you doing?

Gerrard has questioned Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to join Real Madrid. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

“You’re at one of the best teams in Europe, winning things I still dream of winning, you’re one of the most important players on the team, the fans adore you, what are you doing?”

He also addressed the criticism players face after such high-profile moves.

“The next player who goes to Barcelona or Madrid will also be criticised. You’re always going to be criticised, you have to live with it.

“Constructive criticism from people who pay their money to go to the stadium, who buy your shirt… That’s different.

“These are the people who go to Dortmund to watch him play, paying £3,000, the people who adore him, who spend £90 on his shirt. You have to accept it and move on.”

Lastly, Gerrard also acknowledged the risk involved in Alexander-Arnold’s move. “He’s taken a big risk.

“He’s definitely in the conversation with Beckham and Scholes, but as a Liverpool captain, with a contract renewal on the table, he took a risk. I hope it works out for him.”

When Ferdinand asked if he would have made the same choice, Gerrard was unequivocal – “I wouldn’t have done it.”