Madrid star faces frosty Anfield reception

TRENT Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool today, with both the player and his boyhood club still adjusting after his emotional departure for Real Madrid.

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Just metres from where the England international will enter Anfield stands a giant mural of him decked in red alongside the quote: “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true.”

Alexander-Arnold’s rise from supporter to two-time English Premier League winner and Uefa Champions League hero was the stuff of dreams. Yet, for much of the Liverpool support, his exit after running down his contract - meaning the Premier League champions received only a nominal fee - tarnished his legacy.

The fullback was even booed in his final few months at the club, despite his role in delivering Liverpool’s only two league titles since 1990. When announcing his departure in May, the 27-year-old said it was “easily the hardest decision I've ever made in my life”