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Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back on CBS Sports, calling out Trent Alexander-Arnold for “hoodwinking” Liverpool fans during his quiet departure to Real Madrid. The 27-year-old, who spent over a decade at Anfield and won the Premier League last season, let his contract run down before making a £10 million move to Spain in May.
While some, like Peter Schmeichel, condemned the hostile Anfield reception as “disgusting,” Carragher argued that the anger from supporters was well-earned.
“He’s played the role of ‘fan on the pitch’ his whole career,” Carragher said. “But Liverpool fans wouldn’t leave on a free and join a club that beat them in two Champions League finals. If you really mean what you say about wanting to be a legend here, you don’t leave right after winning the title.”
Fans Feel Betrayed After Mural Defaced
Before Real Madrid’s visit to Anfield on Tuesday night, Alexander-Arnold’s mural near Sybil Road was defaced with the words “adios el rata” (Spanish for “goodbye rat”). His return to Merseyside saw him booed the moment he came on in the 81st minute, with every touch met by whistles. He played out the remainder of the match in a 1–0 loss to his former club.
For many fans, the frustration lies not just in his departure but in how it unfolded. While other senior players like Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk made public commitments to the club, Trent stayed silent about his future during the final year of his deal.
Carragher said this lack of communication made fans feel misled:
“He never addressed the speculation. There was radio silence, and that’s where the resentment built.”
No Bad Blood From Former Teammates
Despite the hostile atmosphere from the crowd, Trent received warm embraces from former teammates like Ibrahima Konaté and manager Arne Slot after the match. When asked ahead of the game about the possible backlash, Alexander-Arnold kept his response respectful.
“Whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans. I’ll always love the club and be thankful for the memories,” he told Amazon Prime.
Van Dijk, now Liverpool captain, confirmed he hadn’t spoken to Trent in the build-up to the match, saying only:
“He was outstanding for us, but now he’s an opponent.”
Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota
On Monday night, Alexander-Arnold laid flowers outside Anfield in memory of former teammate Diogo Jota and his brother André, who both died in a tragic car accident in July. His handwritten note read:
“My mate Diogo. You are so missed but still so loved… I smile every time I think about you. Miss you mate, every day. Love Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA.”
A red PlayStation controller was also left as a tribute, a nod to Jota’s well-known passion for gaming.
