“The fans don't understand" - Former Liverpool star makes surprise claim about Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid

Former Premier League player Jermaine Pennant slammed Liverpool fans for booing Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold on his return to Anfield. He believes that the fans do not understand the pull of the Spanish side, and pointed out that the Englishman had won everything before leaving.

Speaking to AS, Pennant said that he understands that Liverpool fans were passionate and did not like Alexander-Arnold leaving. However, he did not agree with their sentiment that he abandoned the club and the city and said:

“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 added that Trent was brilliant for the club since the academy days and should be celebrated for his career. He added that it was natural for the defender to think about trying a different league and said:

“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.”

Manchester United legend Roy Keane also slammed Liverpool fans for booing Trent on his return to Anfield this month.

Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid in the summer

Trent Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid in the summer after running down his contract at Liverpool. He was set to join on a free transfer, but Los Blancos paid a £10 million fee to sign him a month earlier than scheduled, as they were playing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Englishman has been fighting for his place with Dani Carvajal, but with both players dealing with injuries this season, Xabi Alonso has been forced to use Federico Valverde as the right-back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield for the first time this month, playing in the second half of the 1-0 loss in the UEFA Champions League.