Over the years, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become an inseparable part of Liverpool-not only a mature player from the Academy, but also a symbol of the pride of the Merseyside region. He represents the aspiration of a whole generation – a genuine “chicken” conquering the Champions League, Premier League and participating in the great squad under Jurgen Klopp.
However, only one transfer notice and a few minutes on Anfield in the match against Arsenal, everything changed dramatically. The person who once considered the son of the city suddenly became the name booed right on the land that had nurtured him.
Information Alexander-Arnold is likely to join Real Madrid at the end of the season, not too surprising, but the time of announcement-just before the last two home matches-made many fans feel betrayed.
He chose to leave with frank words, wish to be grateful and say goodbye to a man walking through the main door, carrying golden memories. But what the star born in 1998 received back was a heavy atmosphere and thousands of booing when he entered the pitch in the 66th minute against Arsenal.
During the first half, when Liverpool took a 2-0 lead and Anfield was filled with the festive atmosphere, people still hope Alexander-Arnold will be said goodbye to the applause. But just a few minutes after the break, when Arsenal scored the score to shorten the score and Alexander-Arnold started on the border, the crowd began to show real feelings. They booed, turned away. Some people clapped their hands to soothe the situation, but the wave of indignation overwhelmed everything.
In the stands, a fans stood up and screamed in the people who were booing, as if to protect the British player. But most of the stadium made a decision: 26 -year -old player is no longer considered a “part of the team”.
The honor is fully devoted to the successor – Conor Bradley. After only 46 seconds in the first half, the name Bradley rang in the stands, as a way to claim “we have new people”. The brave shot of the young defender made Anfield excited, and the shouts called his name even more than what was for Mohamed Salah or Virgil Van Dijk.
Alexander-Arnold was not the first to leave Liverpool to Real Madrid-Steve McManaman and Michael Owen did the same thing. But he was the first to announce that when the season was not over and there were still two home games. And now, defender Liverpool is the first name to step through the wave of indignation at home, right between those who saw him as a hero.
However, the heritage of Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool is undeniable. He has contributed to a glorious era, and despite leaving in alone, the titles will still be there. But the lesson for all – including future players – is: in Liverpool, beliefs and attachments cannot be purchased with a medal.
When a person said that they no longer belong to this place, The Kop no longer belongs to them.
