“I would not have done it” – Steven Gerrard opens onto the Real Madrid shock movement of Alexander -Arnold
Steven Gerrard finally broke his silence on the controversial transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid in summer.
The saga dragged throughout last season, the vice-captain of Liverpool refusing to sign a new contract until the end, finally forcing a free move to the Spanish giants.
Liverpool managed to guarantee an 8.44 million pound sterling token due to Madrid’s urgency to record it for the club World Cup, but this figure was a fraction of what the Reds could have won if Alexander-Arnold did not bring his agreement.
His decision angry the faithful of Anfield, the transforming of a hero of the beloved hometown into a villain in the eyes of many supporters of Liverpool.
While several former players, including Jamie Carragher, have publicly criticized this decision, Steven Gerrard, perhaps the largest Liverpool icon of all, has now shared his thoughts.
Steven Gerrard gives a brutally honest verdict on the release of Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool of Alexander
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand presents the podcast, Gerrard made an honest verdict on what he thought of the transfer of the right back to Madrid.
Gerrard was linked to the situation of Trent and understood his decision as a neutral, however, he also understood the anger of Liverpool fans. He said:
“It is I who speaks without my Liverpool hat right now,” he started. “Real Madrid came for me with Mourinho, serious. And it turned my head. I can understand it. I understand.
“His best companion plays there. Maybe he wants to challenge himself. He won everything in Liverpool. So there is a part of me that really understands it.
“But as soon as I put my Liverpool hat, I think, what are you doing?” What are you doing? You are undoubtedly one of the best teams in Europe. You earn things that I still dream of winning.
“You are one of the main men. Fans love you. What are you doing? But it is with my Liverpool hat, because I like the Liverpool Football Club… ”
Gerrard admits that he would not have done what Trent did
Gerrard also discussed fans criticism, saying that even if supporters have the right to express opinions, abuses should never cross the line.
“I understand the stick he has.
“We play a game with millions of people watching. You are going to have a little stick – that’s what it is. But the abuses? It’s not for me. It must stop.
“The constructive criticism of a fan who pays money and buys your shirt – they deserve to have an opinion.”
The legend of Liverpool admitted that he would not have made the same game as Alexander-Arnold, but still believes that the 26-year-old is good enough to make him work in Madrid.
“I think he took a big risk. He is a very good footballer – one of the best passers -by I have ever seen, up there with Beckham.
“But to leave Liverpool where he was, in his first years, to refuse a new contract – it was a risk. And I think he lives this risk now.
“I hope it works for him because I like children. I wouldn’t have done it. But it is good enough to make it work. ”
The mixed beginning of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a difficult start to life in Spain, having started only two Liga games since its high-level move to Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal remains Xabi Alonso’s favorite choice on the right back when he is in good shape, leaving the international in England which has trouble obtaining regular minutes.
To worsen things, the hopes of Alexander-Arnold to make his way in the 11th century from Madrid suffered another setback after having made an injury in mid-September, putting the touch since.
But he has the support of Gerrard to run his fate and he certainly has the quality to do so.
