-
Beth Lindop
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mural at Anfield has been vandalized just before his return to Liverpool as he prepares to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Having left Liverpool at the end of the previous season, Alexander-Arnold made a remarkable 354 appearances for his hometown club after joining their academy at just six years old.
The 27-year-old has faced backlash from some fans for allowing his contract to run down while at Merseyside, and he may receive a negative welcome if he plays for Xabi Alonso’s team at Anfield on Tuesday night.
In anticipation of the match, his mural located on Sybil Road—which features the slogan “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has come true”—was found defaced with white paint.
The word “rat” was prominently spray-painted on the mural multiple times, alongside the phrase adios el rata (meaning “goodbye rat” in Spanish).
Efforts to clean and restore the mural, which was unveiled after Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2019, have already begun.
In a statement to Prime Video Sport ahead of Tuesday’s matchup, Alexander-Arnold shared, “When the draw was announced, I think everyone kind of knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come.”
– Trent Alexander-Arnold writes emotional note to Diogo Jota
– Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Kick-off time, viewing info, statistics, team updates
“Obviously they’re a top team, so I knew at some point I’d end up returning there or battling against Liverpool. It’s happening so soon. I have mixed emotions. I expect it to be a very challenging game, but it’s one I’m excited about.”