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Steven Gerrard Reacts to Trent Alexander-Arnold Backlash After Real Madrid Move: 'I Understand It… What Are You Doing'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 1:09 PM ET

Highlights

Steven Gerrard talks about Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid
Gerrard understands Liverpool fans' criticism of Alexander-Arnold's departure
Gerrard on Real Madrid's lore affecting every player, including him

As the previous season was coming to an end, some Liverpool fans had mixed feelings after winning the Premier League title. Many Liverpool fans were furious to find out that Trent Alexander-Arnold was leaving the club for free to join Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold was by many fans as a 'traitor' and 'unloyal' to Liverpool after deciding to leave the club on a free transfer to Real Madrid. The English right-back joined Real Madrid in June and played for them in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Arguably, the biggest club legend of Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, has given his say on the Alexander-Arnold criticism in a chat with Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

Gerrard understood Alexander-Arnold's decision to join Real Madrid from a footballer's career perspective but as a Liverpool faithful, the former Liverpool midfielder did not understand it.

Gerrard told Rio Ferdinand, "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? You're at one of the best teams in Europe. You're winning things that I sit here now and still dream of winning. You're winning European cups, you're one of the main men. The fans adore you.'"

When asked if he agreed with the majority of the fans criticizing Alexander-Arnold's decision, Gerrard said, "I understand it. And you know the stick you got, so what? I got it, the next person that flirts with Real Madrid or Barcelona, they're going to get stick."

Gerrard did not agree with how Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool, but he shows no anger towards the right-back for his decision. He also does not condemn the abuse the Real Madrid right-back has received.

Gerrard said, "The stick that goes beyond the line, I don't agree with, the abuse. I don't agree with that with any player. That's not for me...I just think he took a big risk...I hope it works for him because I love the kid. I love the kid to bits. I wouldn't have done it."

Steven Gerrard on Real Madrid's Interest in Him

Gerrard is praised for being among the rare players who showed loyalty to one club, but he was also criticized for nearly joining Chelsea during his time at Liverpool. Gerrard reveals that Real Madrid were seriously interested in him as well.

Despite receiving lots of criticism for the Chelsea interest, Real Madrid's interest was very serious, but Gerrard reveals he quickly rejected them.

Gerrard said, "Real Madrid came for me with [Jose] Mourinho. It's hit me head. It didn't get much traction and noise as Chelsea because it was shut down pretty quickly because of the timing of it and what Real Madrid wanted me to do to manufacture that... But it's hit me head."