Steven Gerrard’s controversial comments about Trent Alexander-Arnold have revived bitter debates among Liverpool supporters.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Gerrard said he would have never left Anfield the way Alexander-Arnold did.
He also suggested that the England international right-back took a ‘big risk’ by turning down a new deal before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Liverpool weren’t left empty-handed, as Madrid paid £10 million to sign the defender early for the Club World Cup.
Nevertheless, the entire transfer saga didn’t go down well with the Liverpool fans, who considered his actions a betrayal.
The noise around Alexander-Arnold’s acrimonious exit had waned over the past few months.
However, Gerrard stirred the pot again after claiming that he would not have made the same decision.
“I wouldn’t have done it,” Gerrard said. “I just think he took a big risk on. He’s an extremely good footballer – a very talented footballer. He’s one of the best passers I’ve ever seen.
“But to leave Liverpool, where he was in his prime years, getting offered a new contract, he took a risk on. He’s living that risk now. I hope it works for him because I love the kid.”
The former Liverpool and England captain admitted that the prospect of playing for Madrid can be difficult to turn down, considering he also had his head turned back in the day.
However, he reverted to his pitch about loyalty, arguing that Alexander-Arnold could have been a Liverpool legend if he stayed at Anfield.
Gerrard’s comments are hypocritical considering he came close to leaving Liverpool back in 2005.
Chelsea and Madrid were interested in signing him, and he even submitted a transfer request to force a move away from Anfield.
Desperate to keep him, Liverpool tabled a £100,000-per-week contract that would have almost doubled his £60,000 salary at the time. But that didn’t stop him from angling for an exit.
He even gave Jose Mourinho his word that he would sign for Chelsea. However, he eventually remained at Liverpool.
Some people say he didn’t want to tarnish his reputation – others claim he received several death threats from Liverpool fans, which forced his hand.
Regardless, Gerrard is in no position to criticise Alexander-Arnold, considering he nearly walked away from the club he claims he would have never left.
