Steven Gerrard Makes Feelings Clear on Trent Leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has given his honest take on Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving the Reds for Real Madrid.

Gerrard, who won eight major trophies with Liverpool, was asked about what he made of Trent’s decision to leave his boyhood club during an interview with former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand.

The 45-year-old was in a similar position to Trent during his own playing career when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea pursued him following Liverpool’s 2004/05 Champions League-winning campaign.

As reported by The Athletic, Gerrard wanted the move and even agreed on personal terms before performing a U-turn, meaning he ultimately remained at Liverpool until he left for LA Galaxy during the twilight of his career.

In his 2013 book, ‘Steven Gerrard: My Story’, the former centre-midfielder revealed that he was the subject of interest from not only Chelsea but also Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan during his career.

However, he stated that the thought of turning his back on Liverpool made him feel “sick”.

Of course, Gerrard went on to win just two more trophies – the 2006 FA Cup and 2012 League Cup – after turning down a move to Chelsea.

He would’ve almost definitely added to his trophy cabinet if he had left for Chelsea or the other clubs mentioned, but as a result of his loyalty, he is one of the most loved former players to have played for Liverpool, with fans singing his name to this day.

As for Trent, it’s fair to say his current relationship with fans of his hometown club is not the healthiest it has been, with some voicing their displeasure at the way in which he left the club for just £8.4m after running his contract down at Anfield.

But what does Gerrard make of Trent’s controversial move?

When speaking to Ferdinand on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Gerrard said: “I think any player in the game when Barcelona and Real Madrid come, it’s going to turn your head.

“This is me speaking without my Liverpool hat on at the moment. Real Madrid came for me with [Jose] Mourinho, and it turned my head. It didn’t get as much traction and noise as Chelsea… it was shut down pretty quickly.”

He then went on to describe how he “understands” Trent’s decision, as his good friend Jude Bellingham has enjoyed success at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Maybe he wants a challenge,” Gerrard suggested.

“He’s won everything at Liverpool, so there’s a part of me that really understands it, but as soon as I put my Liverpool hat back on, I think, ‘What are you doing?’”

When asked if he agreed with the criticism Trent received, Gerrard simply replied: “I understand it”.

The Real right-back is currently out injured having sustained a hamstring injury during the La Liga side's Champions League clash with Marseille on September 16.