“I would not have done it”-Steven Gerrard talks about the controversial transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid

Steven Gerrard finally broke his silence on the controversial transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid this summer.

The saga continued throughout last season, the vice-captain of Liverpool refusing to sign a new contract until the very end, finally forcing a free transfer to the Spanish giants.

Liverpool managed to obtain a symbolic sum of 8.4 million pounds sterling due to Madrid’s urgency to register him at the Club World Cup, but this figure represented only a fraction of what the Reds could have won if Alexander-Arnold had not canceled his contract.

His decision has made an angry Anfield’s faithful, making him a beloved hero of his hometown a villain in the eyes of many Liverpool supporters.

While several former players, including Jamie Carragher, have publicly criticized this decision, Steven Gerrard, perhaps the largest icon in Liverpool, has now shared his reflections.

Steven Gerrard makes a brutally honest verdict on the exit of Trent from Alexander-Arnold to Liverpool

Speaking on the podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, Gerrard gave an honest verdict on what he thought of the transfer of the right back to Madrid.

Gerrard referred to the situation of Trent and understood his decision from a neutral point of view, but also understood the anger of Liverpool fans. He said:

“It’s me who talks without my Liverpool hat for the moment,” he started. “Real Madrid came to pick me up with Mourinho, seriously. And it made my head turn. I can understand it. I understand.

“His best friend is playing there. Maybe he wants to challenge himself. He won everything in Liverpool. So there is part of me that really understands it.

“But as soon as I put my Liverpool cap, I wonder: what are you doing? What are you doing? You are probably 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 …”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p9zrje0co

Gerrard admits that he would not have done what Trent did

Gerrard also mentioned fans’ criticism, saying that even if supporters have the right to express their opinions, abuses should never exceed limits.

“I understand the stick he received. So what? I got it. The next person who will flirt with Real Madrid or Barcelona will receive the stick.

“We play a game with millions of people who look at us. You’re going to take a little stick – that’s how it is. But abuses? It’s not for me. It must stop.

“Constructive critic from a fan who pays money and buys your shirt – he deserves to have an opinion.”

The legend of Liverpool admitted that he would not have taken the same bet as Alexander-Arnold, but still thinks that the 26-year-old is good enough to succeed in Madrid.

“I think he took a big risk. He is a very good footballer, one of the best passers I have ever seen, with Beckham.

“But leaving Liverpool where he was, in his best years, by refusing a new contract, it was a risk. And I think he lives this risk now.

“I hope it will work for him because I like this kid in pieces. I wouldn’t have done it. But he’s good enough for it to work.”

The mixed start of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold experienced a difficult start in life in Spain, having started only two Liga matches since its very publicized transfer to Real Madrid.

Dani Carvajal remains Xabi Alonso’s favorite choice on the right back when he is in good shape, letting the English international have trouble getting regular minutes.

To worsen things, the hopes of Alexander-Arnold to make his way in the starting eleven of Madrid suffered a new setback after he was injured in mid-September, put him away.

But he has the support of Gerrard to change his destiny and he certainly has the quality to do so.