'It hurts' - Alexander-Arnold reveals he still receives abuse after Liverpool exit
August 23, 2026 12:05
Trent Alexander‑Arnold says he still receives abuse from some Liverpool supporters more than a year after leaving the club for Real Madrid. Speaking to the Mirror, the 27‑year‑old described the negative reaction to his transfer as painful, while stressing he continues to follow Liverpool and retains affection for the club where he grew up.
He also reflected on a difficult period off the pitch: a disrupted first season in Spain, omission from England’s World Cup squad, and online messages he called beyond acceptable. Alexander‑Arnold said he can separate online and stadium booing from the face‑to‑face encounters he has when visiting family in Merseyside.
KEY CONTEXT
- Alexander‑Arnold moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer.
- He was booed on his return to Anfield during Real Madrid’s 1‑0 Champions League loss in November.
- At club level last season he played in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches across all competitions.
- His most recent England appearance was as a substitute in a 1‑0 win over Andorra in June 2025; he was not selected for the World Cup squad.
- He told the Mirror some online messages have “crossed the line” and described online abuse as a regrettable part of life in 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
Alexander‑Arnold’s comments highlight the lingering fallout from a high‑profile transfer between a player and his boyhood club and the wider issue of how players cope with hostile reactions and online abuse. His omission from the World Cup and stated intention to use that disappointment as motivation underline the international implications for a player who remains intent on returning to England selection.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Alexander‑Arnold’s form and fitness through the coming season will put him back in contention for England selection.
- Whether reactions from Liverpool supporters change over time, and how he continues to manage the contrast between online hostility and in‑person interactions on Merseyside.
- How his campaign at Real Madrid develops under the new season, given his aim to convert disappointment into positive momentum.
KEY FACTS
- Alexander‑Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer.
- He says he still receives abuse 14 months after his departure and that it “hurts.”
- He featured in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches last season.
- His last England cap was as a substitute in June 2025 versus Andorra; he missed the subsequent World Cup squad.
- He told the Mirror he hopes for greater understanding about his decision and intends to use his exclusion as motivation to regain an England place.