Ian Rush has warned Trent Alexander-Arnold that the “grass isn’t always greener” when leaving Liverpool to move abroad.
The Welshman knows better than most having swapped Merseyside for Italy during his glittering career. Rush moved to Juventus in 1986 but managed just a solitary season in Serie A before returning to Liverpool, initially on loan, before re-signing permanently in 1988.
The former striker struggled to adapt to life in Turin and the style of play in Italy, compared to his prolific scoring exploits for Liverpool. Rush managed just 13 goals for the Old Lady; for Liverpool, his 346 goals is a club record.
The 63-year-old is among the pantheon of former greats mentioned in relation to Alexander-Arnold’s exit, offered as proof that the world keeps spinning when legendary players depart. Of anyone, Rush can relate to the right-back’s desire to play overseas, but he said it’s important for Alexander-Arnold to start quickly at the Bernabeu next season.
“Good luck to him. He’s looking for a different chapter,” Rush told Sky Sports. “When I went to Juventus, it was mostly financial for me. I went there and realised the grass isn’t always greener.
“It’s not just football; he’s said it’s for personal reasons as well. I’m sure he’ll be welcomed back to Liverpool if he ever does come back.
(Image: Getty)
“He’s at that age: ‘Do I stay at Liverpool or carry on [and leave]? He’s taken that decision to make a new chapter of his career. Why not? He’s going to a great club, Real Madrid.
“The problem when you go to a great club like Juventus or Real Madrid, you have to hit the ground running because if you have a bad start, the fans are straight on you.”
Alexander-Arnold is yet to confirm that he is heading to Madrid, and only announced his decision to leave Liverpool on Monday. “This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” the 26-year-old said on a video posted on social media.
(Image: (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images))
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world – for 20 years. From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
“But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”
Meanwhile, it is yet to be agreed whether Alexander-Arnold will be granted permission to terminate his Liverpool contract early and play for Real in June. Los Blancos begin their Club World Cup campaign on 18 June, 13 days before the England international’s deal at Liverpool expires.
If he is allowed to play for Real at the US-based tournament, the Spanish side will have to pay a minor transfer fee.
