A mural of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been defaced in Liverpool ahead of the Real Madrid defender’s highly anticipated return to Anfield on Tuesday night.
The England international, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid this past summer after his contract expired, is set to face his boyhood club for the first time since his controversial departure — an exit that left sections of the fanbase divided.
The mural, originally unveiled near Anfield following Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph, has once again been targeted by vandals. The word “Rat” was spray-painted multiple times, alongside the Spanish phrase “adios el rata” (“goodbye, the rat”), while white paint was splattered across the artwork. Local volunteers quickly cleaned the graffiti.
This marks the second time the mural has been vandalised this year, underscoring the mixed emotions surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Merseyside.
Despite the hostility from some supporters, Alexander-Arnold made a gesture of respect upon his return, joining Real Madrid representatives on Monday to lay flowers at the Anfield memorial for Diogo Jota, his former Liverpool team-mate.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash, the 27-year-old acknowledged the uncertainty over his reception:
“Whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans,” he said. “I’ll always love the club and be thankful for the opportunities and success we shared. Those memories will stay with me forever.”
During his time at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the EFL Cup — achievements that cemented his place among the club’s modern icons.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted he was unsure how supporters would respond to the defender’s return, but spoke warmly about his former player:
“I have great memories of the player and the person,” said Slot. “How our fans will react, I have no clue. But from me, he gets a warm welcome.”
Alexander-Arnold, who has been sidelined since mid-September with a hamstring injury sustained in Real Madrid’s win over Marseille, has recovered in time to feature on Tuesday.
His former team-mate Ryan Gravenberch expressed a more personal sentiment ahead of the reunion:
“I’ll give him a hug — he’s obviously a friend of mine.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, himself a former Liverpool player and Champions League winner with the club, said he and Alexander-Arnold had spoken more about football than about the reception awaiting him:
“He has to feel it in his own way,” Alonso said. “He was born and raised in Liverpool, came through the academy, and won the Champions League there. It’s going to be a special moment for him — and he should enjoy it.”
Liverpool have been approached for comment regarding the vandalism.
