Trent Alexander-Arnold vows to put emotions aside when Real Madrid face Liverpool

The England right-back will be making his first return to Anfield since departing the club on a reported cut-price deal of £8.4million, so that he could play for Real Madrid at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.

The 27-year-old was criticized by many Reds supporters for opting against extending his stay with the club in order to join Los Blancos on a free transfer last summer when his contract ended.

"No matter what, my feelings won't change towards Liverpool," said Alexander-Arnold to Amazon Prime.

"I think whichever way I am received is the decision of the fans, I will always love the club. I will always be a fan of the club. I will always be thankful for the opportunities and everything that we achieved together will live with me forever."

The Englishman made 354 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals and providing 92 assists, winning nine titles with the club including last season's Premier League triumph under manager Arne Slot.

"I spoke to Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo [Salah], Ibu [Ibrahima Konate]," he added.

"They were just laughing. I think everybody knew it [the fixture] was going to happen. We will put our emotions to one side and play the best football we can."

Alexander-Arnold featured in the first five matches of the season before being hit by a hamstring injury, recently returning to the matchday squad for the wins against Barcelona and Valencia, but did not feature in both.

Madrid are currently lying in fifth position on the league phase of the European competition, three points ahead of Liverpool who are tenth spot.

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