Trent Alexander-Arnold has arrived in Merseyside as a Real Madrid player ahead of their Champions League clash against Liverpool.
The England international has already faced a hostile reception with a mural, on the corner of Sybil Road near Anfield and featuring Alexander-Arnold in a Liverpool shirt, appearing to be vandalised overnight.
The artwork reads Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to winning the Champions League in 2019, when he declared: “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool, whose dream has just come true.”
Photos show white paint being thrown over the image of the Liverpool-born former No 66.
Vandals have also written “Adios El Rata” – “Goodbye Rat” along with three further statements declaring their former star to be a “rat”.
It is the third time the mural, created by French graffiti artist Akse, has been vandalised.
It was first altered with blue paint ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton back in 2022.
Since then, the phrase “rat” was painted on the display for his final appearance for Liverpool back in May.
The mural featuring Alexander-Arnold in a Liverpool shirt appeared to be vandalised overnight
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Alexander-Arnold’s exit from his boyhood club caused backlash from the Liverpool fanbase, with many regulars booing the then 26-year-old during his final few appearances for the Reds.
Many accused the defender of running down his contract, preventing the club from earning a hefty fee from Real Madrid.
The agreed-upon amount was £10million, with Real Madrid opting to sign him ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.
The two teams will clash at Anfield in their Champions League match-up at 8pm tonight.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed from Liverpool fans whilst still at the club
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ReutersTrent Alexander Arnold was with Liverpool for 20 years
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PA ImagesStruggling for form, Arne Slot’s side have lost six of their last eight games, including being eliminated from the Carabao Cup
While Real Madrid have won their last three matches across all competitions and sit at the top of the La Liga table, Alexander-Arnold is not a regular starter for the Spanish giants, having only made a few starts since joining in June 2025.
He has been recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in September, which further limited his playing time.
Even with the injury to regular starter Dani Carvajal, manager Xabi Alonso has favoured playing midfielder Federico Valverde at right-back, relegating Alexander-Arnold to the bench.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was pictured leaving a tribute to Diogo Jota at his memorial outside Anfield last night
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The former Liverpool star was pictured leaving a tribute to Diogo Jota at his memorial outside Anfield last night.
Speaking on his return, Alexander-Arnold said: “Whatever way I’m received, is the decision of the fans.
“I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things we achieved together, they’ll live with me forever.
“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime, and no matter how I’m received, that won’t change.”‘