Alexander-Arnold seeks understanding as online abuse persists 14 months after Real Madrid move
The 27-year-old says he remains “properly gutted” by his omission from England’s World Cup squad, while acknowledging that some criticism from Liverpool supporters has “crossed the line”.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that he continues to receive online abuse from Liverpool supporters 14 months after transferring to Real Madrid. The 27-year-old told the Mirror that while he can accept the booing associated with his departure, he hopes for a degree of understanding regarding his decision to leave the club he supported for 20 years.
Alexander-Arnold stated that the reaction to his exit “hurts” given the sacrifices he made during his time at Anfield. He noted that while he watches every Liverpool game, he is able to dissociate the online criticism from his in-person interactions with fans when visiting family in Merseyside. He described the digital abuse as a “sad part of life” in 2026, adding that some messages have “crossed the line”.
His first season in Spain was described as disrupted, with the player featuring in 35 of Real Madrid’s 62 matches across all competitions. He was booed on his return to Anfield during Real’s 1-0 Champions League defeat in November, an experience he said he can rationalise by knowing it does not represent the football club or his home city.
Alexander-Arnold also expressed disappointment at being omitted from England’s World Cup squad by manager Thomas Tuchel. He confirmed he went into the summer without making plans, hoping to be selected, but was “properly gutted” when the call did not come. His last of 34 caps came as a substitute during a 1-0 win over Andorra in June 2025.
Despite the setback, the midfielder remains determined to return to the national team. He insisted that he is one of the players Tuchel wants who are desperate to play for England. “Until I retire, I’m still an England player, whether I’m selected or not,” he said.
Looking ahead to the new season, Alexander-Arnold said he intends to use his disappointment as fuel to secure a place in future England squads. Real Madrid, now under the second spell of Jose Mourinho, recently secured a 2-1 victory against Espanyol in La Liga.
