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A mural of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been vandalised before his return to Anfield with Real Madrid. The former Liverpool full-back is expected to feature in the Real squad for Tuesday’s Champions League game less than six months after leaving his boyhood club for Spain.
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to depart at the end of his contract was met with anger by a section of the Liverpool fanbase, who booed the right-back. The large mural near Anfield was unveiled in 2019 following Liverpool’s Champions League victory and was vandalised after the news Alexander-Arnold would leave, with the word “rat” daubed on it.
The same word was written again multiple times on Tuesday morning and white paint was thrown over the picture, with workmen acting quickly to clean it.
Speaking to Prime Video Sport before the match, Alexander-Arnold said: “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. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together – they’ll live with me for ever.”
On Monday Real’s manager, the former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, told Alexander-Arnold to enjoy being back at Anfield. “I remember him from a young age in the academy and then coming to the first team and winning the Champions League,” he said. “So he needs to enjoy the moment because it is nice to be back.”
