Steven Gerrard on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Departure
In a recent appearance on the podcast hosted by Rio Ferdinand, former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard shared his thoughts on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s controversial departure to Real Madrid. The England international, who had been with Liverpool since he was six years old, faced criticism from many fans after opting not to renew his contract with the club.
Gerrard’s Perspective
Gerrard, who spent 17 years at Liverpool, empathized with Alexander-Arnold and recognized the allure of playing for such prestigious teams as Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Reflecting on his own career, Gerrard recalled a moment when he was pursued by Real Madrid under manager Jose Mourinho, acknowledging that the prospect had indeed caught his attention, even though the interest did not escalate further. He stated,
“It’s Real Madrid. So without my Liverpool hat on, when teams like that show interest, it’s bound to turn your head.”
He expressed understanding towards Alexander-Arnold’s decision, particularly noting that the player’s close friend currently plays at Madrid and that he may have felt the need to seek new challenges after achieving immense success at Liverpool.
Emotional Reactions
However, Gerrard was quick to switch to his Liverpool perspective, saying,
“What are you doing? You’re arguably one of the best teams in Europe. You’re winning trophies that I still dream of.”
He sympathized with the emotional turmoil of fans who were disappointed by the young defender’s choice.
When asked if he felt the negative reactions from supporters were justified, Gerrard responded,
“I understand the frustration. You play for a game where millions are invested emotionally and financially, so criticism is inevitable. But the abuse crosses a line, and that’s unacceptable.”
Looking Ahead
Despite ongoing challenges in Madrid, including a recent hamstring injury during a Champions League match, Gerrard remains optimistic about Alexander-Arnold’s future.
“He’s a wonderful talent, one of the best passers I’ve encountered in the game,”
Gerrard remarked, placing him in the same category as footballing legends like David Beckham and Paul Scholes.
“While leaving Liverpool was a risk, I hope it pays off for him because I have a great deal of affection for him. I wouldn’t have made the same choice, but I believe in his ability.”
