Former Premier League player Jermaine Pennant has criticized Liverpool fans for booing Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold during his return to Anfield. Pennant believes that the fans do not fully understand the allure of the Spanish club and emphasized that the Englishman had achieved everything at Liverpool before his departure.
Speaking to AS, Pennant acknowledged the passion of Liverpool supporters and understood their disappointment at Alexander-Arnold’s exit. However, he disagreed with the notion that the player abandoned the club and the city.
“It’s difficult because Liverpool fans are so passionate. Obviously, they didn’t like that he left. The fans don’t understand. They think he should stay at Liverpool because it’s more than a club, it’s a family. They feel he has abandoned the club, the city, and the fans. I understand why the fans are upset. Nobody wants to see a great player leave their club, especially when he’s been there so long,” Pennant said.
Highlighting Trent’s achievements, Pennant added that the defender had been brilliant since his academy days and should be celebrated for his career at Anfield. He also explained that it was natural for the player to want to experience a different league.
“The other side of the coin is that he was a great servant of Liverpool. He’d been at the club since he was very young and rose through the ranks to win everything with them. Would they have had the same success without him? He was a great player, but there comes a time in a player’s career when they want to try something different, and the opportunity to play for a club like Real Madrid isn’t something that’s available to most players and is very difficult to turn down. On the other hand, I appreciate that some fans are thanking him for what he’s done and wishing him all the best at Real Madrid,” Pennant added.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has also criticized Liverpool fans for booing Trent Alexander-Arnold during his recent return to Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid in the summer after running down his contract with the Reds. Initially set to join on a free transfer, Real Madrid paid a £10 million fee to secure his services a month earlier than planned, ahead of their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Since his move, the Englishman has been competing for the right-back position with Dani Carvajal. However, injuries to both players this season have led coach Xabi Alonso to deploy midfielder Federico Valverde in the role.
Alexander-Arnold made his first return to Anfield earlier this month, featuring in the second half of Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat in the UEFA Champions League.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-the-fans-understand-former-liverpool-star-makes-surprise-claim-trent-alexander-arnold-joining-real-madrid