'It hurts' - Alexander-Arnold reveals he still receives abuse after Liverpool exit

What the report says

Trent Alexander-Arnold has said he is still receiving online abuse from some Liverpool fans 14 months after leaving Anfield for Real Madrid. In comments reported by BBC Sport from an interview with the Mirror, the England defender said the reaction to his move “hurts,” even though he understands that many supporters were disappointed by his departure. He said he still follows Liverpool closely and believes the club will always have an important place in his life.

Alexander-Arnold said he can deal with boos and criticism, including when he returned to Anfield during Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat in November. He drew a distinction between hostile social media messages and the personal interactions he has had in Liverpool, saying people he meets in person do not reflect the abuse he sees online. He added that some comments have crossed a line and described online abuse as an unfortunate feature of modern football and public life.

The 27-year-old also spoke about missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup, saying he had hoped to be selected and was deeply disappointed when he was not. He said he remains available for England and wants to use that setback as motivation for the new season. For background, Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid last summer after a long spell at his boyhood club, and his comments come amid continued debate over player loyalty and fan reaction in modern football.