Trent Alexander-Arnold had a revealing response after being booed by a large portion of the Anfield crowd when he came on as a substitute against Arsenal.
On Monday, following weeks of speculation and links to Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold officially announced he would be leaving Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season, bringing his 20-year spell with his boyhood club to a close.
The Arsenal match marked his first appearance since the announcement, with Conor Bradley preferred at right-back in the starting lineup. Alexander-Arnold entered the game in the 67th minute, but was met with boos from fans who had once celebrated his rise under Jurgen Klopp. Supporters also chanted Bradley’s name, further highlighting the harsh reception.
He was involved in Arsenal’s second goal, keeping Mikel Merino onside. Despite the frosty atmosphere, cameras caught Alexander-Arnold seemingly winking—possibly toward teammates—though the meaning behind it remains unclear. Gary Neville noted the “unpleasant” reaction during Sky Sports’ coverage.
Throughout the remainder of the match, Alexander-Arnold was jeered with every touch, yet he still applauded the fans upon leaving the field. His final Liverpool appearance will be at Anfield against Crystal Palace, where Arne Slot’s side is expected to lift the Premier League trophy.
After the match, Andy Robertson told Sky Sports that hearing the boos “wasn’t nice,” but acknowledged that fans have the right to their feelings.