Former Liverpool captain and club legend Steven Gerrard has raised concerns over 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.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold in action during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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?
“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?”
“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.”
Asked by Ferdinand if he would have made the same choice, Gerrard was unequivocal – “I wouldn’t have done it.”
