Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey has confessed that he can “understand” why Trent Alexander-Arnold might be contemplating a move to Real Madrid, while also empathizing with fans who are upset about the potential departure of the right-back. As it stands, Alexander-Arnold is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of next month when his contract runs out.
Negotiations for a new contract with Liverpool have so far been unsuccessful in convincing the 26-year-old to pledge his future to the club he grew up supporting. The defender is currently mulling over an offer from Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold, who was targeted by the advocates of the European Super League, with Liverpool turning down an approach during the winter, has received a mixed response from Reds fans in recent weeks.
Heskey commented: “I can understand why the fans and maybe even the club are frustrated by the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation, as Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it’s hard for everyone to understand why he would want to leave.
“People expect homegrown players to stay with the club forever and cement their legacy like Steven Gerrard did, and if they do leave, it’s on the club’s terms, which isn’t the case with Trent.
“But I do sympathise with him, I believe all footballers grow up fantasising about playing abroad.
“When I was learning the game, I dreamt about going and playing in Italy, as it was the best league in the world at the time.
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Heskey, speaking to the Liverpool Echo via Best New Bingo Sites, shared: “I had those ambitions, and I saw Paul Ince and David Platt make those moves, which let you know it was possible.
“So, I believe every player dreams of playing abroad and gaining that football and life experience. If a player says they have never even thought about it, they’re lying.
“Real Madrid are arguably one of the biggest clubs in the world, alongside Liverpool, so I can understand his interest in moving.
“At the end of the day, it is his career, and he can do what he likes with it, and if he thinks Madrid is the next step, then he will go.”
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Alexander-Arnold was quizzed about his future after he came off the bench to net the Reds’ winning goal against Leicester City last month.
He responded: “I’ve said all season, I am not going to speak on my situation, I am not going to go into details but these days like today are always special: scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles and being in title races, they are special moments that will live for me forever.
“I am glad to be a part of them.”
The fully fit Alexander-Arnold then made a return to the starting line-up as Liverpool clinched the Premier League title with a 5-1 victory at home against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
