Trent Alexander-Arnold mural vandalised ahead of his Anfield return

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The former Reds right-back joined Real Madrid in the summerA mural dedicated to Trent-Alexander Arnold near Anfield has been vandalised ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with La Liga leaders, Real Madrid. Speaking about his feelings at the time, Alexander-Arnold said: "I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it."I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.

Alexander-Arnold insists his love of Liverpool won't be affected by a hostile response this week on his first Anfield return since his departure to the Spanish giants.Alexander-Arnold was booed by sections of the Liverpool crowd in his first game after he announced he would be leaving the club. He was given a warmer reaction when he played against Crystal Palace in the final game of the Premier League campaign.A mural celebrating his successes at the club was unveiled at the corner of Sybil Street and Anfield Road back in 2019.

Speaking on the day the mural was unveiled, Alexander-Arnold said he hoped the mural would "stay for a long time".The mural was today, November 4, targeted by vandals as white paint covered the number so synonymous with the once-loved Liverpool full-back, "66".When the ECHO arrived at Sybil Road this morning, workmen were already in the process of removing the paint as ladders were propped against a wall and a hose spraying water was directed at the graffiti.The message accompanying the mural saying "I'm just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has just come true" was splattered with spots of white paint.Directly under the quote the word "rat" had been written in a large letters. One message said "Adios El Rata."Speaking to the ECHO at the time the mural was unveiled, Alexander-Arnold emphasised the important message he hopes young people will take from his journey and the mural.