The Liverpool academy graduate’s decision not to renew his contract and leave in the summer led to him being booed by his own fans during the match against Arsenal in May after he made his decision public.
Although Liverpool received £8.4 million from Real to essentially buy out the final four weeks of his contract so he could participate in the Club World Cup, that was little consolation to many supporters who were upset by the way he handled his departure.
That will likely be reflected in his reception on Tuesday evening, even if he is not in the starting line-up, having not played in the last two games since returning from a hamstring injury suffered against Marseille in mid-September.
“We didn’t talk about that exactly, but we talked about the team and the club,” said Alonso, whose previous return as Champions League winner in 2005 with Liverpool was much more welcoming.
“He has to have his own feelings and enjoy them in his own way, so I’m not going to tell him how to feel.
“His history is certainly different to mine. He was born and raised in Liverpool. I remember him from a young age in the academy and when he came into the first team and won the Champions League.
“So he has to enjoy that moment because it’s nice to be back and it will be nice for him.”
Trent’s message in honor of Diogo Jota
Madrid opted to train in Spain before leaving, but after the press conference, Alexander-Arnold laid a personal tribute at the temporary Anfield memorial to former teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in July. Dean Huijsen, together with Alonso and football director Emilio Butragueno, presented the club’s official copy.
In a handwritten message, Alexander-Arnold wrote: “My buddy Diogo. You are so missed but still so loved. The memory of you and Andre will always live on. I smile every time I think of you and will always remember the great times we shared. I miss you buddy, every day. I love Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA”
Alonso’s praise for Florian Wirtz
Alonso also had words of encouragement for Florian Wirtz, a current Liverpool player, who played a key role in Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side winning the Bundesliga in 2024.
The Germany international has struggled since his £100million summer move, but his former manager said: “I have no doubt about it. It’s only a matter of time. It’s a big change for him to come to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, he’s been there all his life.”
“He really is a special player. He has quality and personality and he is competitive. It has happened before with great players in the Premier League and I have no doubt with Flo.”
“He is very special and probably one of the reasons I am here now (at Real Madrid). I am very grateful to Flo. Hopefully not tomorrow, but I have no doubt he will show his quality and class.”
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