Trent Alexander-Arnold made headlines at his Real Madrid unveiling on Thursday, not just for the move itself, but for delivering his entire presentation in Spanish. While impressive to many, this gesture stoked controversy among Liverpool fans, who already felt betrayed by the manner of his departure.

The English right-back delivered a speech on his presentation in the Santiago Bernabeu, where it was officially revealed as the Spanish giants' latest addition, having joined as a free agent from Liverpool a few weeks ago.

Real Madrid, although signed Trent on a free transfer, paid a fee in the region of €10 million to the English champions as compensation, because they need the player's services for the FIFA Club World Cup which kicks off two weeks before the actual expiration of his contract at the end of the month.

Although the 26-year-old has been at Liverpool since he was six, his dream to one day play for Los Blancos has been no secret, but leaving after intentionally running down his contract is one of the major of reasons Anfield faithfuls feel betrayed.

However, while time may eventually heal wounds, the English international seems to be deepening the rift with Liverpool’s loyal supporters following his headline-making interview during his Real Madrid presentation.

Liverpool's Resentment Towards Trent Alexander-Arnold May Get Stronger

Liverpool had long accepted defeat in their efforts to tie Trent Alexander-Arnold down to a new contract, and even before his decision was officially confirmed, fans had made their displeasure clear with open criticism.

When the new Madridista finally communicated his departure, it offered little consolation. Many supporters felt deeply betrayed, though, perhaps, their hurt was also rooted in the selfish hope of seeing him remain a one-club player.

Yet, for some understanding fans, that decision is not one to be angry about. They believe Trent Alexander-Arnold has given enough to the club and earned the right to seek a new challenge in his career.

With 354 appearances for Liverpool, he played a pivotal role in their only two Premier League titles and was instrumental in their sixth Champions League triumph in 2019. Though a defender by position, it was his creativity that truly set him apart. His vision, passing range, and influence make him a decisive figure in all of the club’s successes over the past decade.

Memories of his quickly taken corner against Barcelona in the 4-0 semi-final second leg in 2019 (also relived during his Madrid presentation) will forever linger. That moment, which sealed a 4-3 aggregate comeback and sent Liverpool to the Champions League final, has already entered football folklore and will be passed down as a tale for generations.

In total, Trent Alexander-Arnold registered 86 assists and scored 23 goals in a Liverpool shirt. His 64 assists in the Premier League make him the most prolific defender in the competition’s history, surpassing both his former teammate Andrew Robertson and England icon Gary Neville.

His impressive performances since emerging from the club's Academy made him endearing to the fans, and for years, he felt nothing but love from the Kop faithful, until things soured due to his exit.

The main source of resentment stems from the manner of his departure: allowing his contract to run down meant Liverpool lost one of their most prized assets for free, a bitter pill for a club that had high hopes for him.

Had it not been for Real Madrid’s plans to use him for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, Liverpool would have received nothing from the deal. Yet, even the €10 million compensation feels inadequate for a player valued at around €100 million.

Nevertheless, Liverpool appeared to have moved on swiftly, even before playing another game since his departure. Jeremie Frimpong has joined from Bayer Leverkusen as a direct replacement, and further moves in the transfer window suggest that Arne Slot’s reign might be beginning with firm intent.

However, following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s presentation as a new Real Madrid player, where he said all his words in fluent Spanish, he may have impressed his new employers, but it came at the cost of reopening wounds among Liverpool supporters and further damaging an already strained relationship.

"Thank you Florentino Perez and the club for this opportunity, said Trent. This doesn't happen every day. It's a dream come true. I'm very happy and proud to be here.

"I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. I do realise I'm signing for Real Madrid, the demands are high, but I'm going to give my all to the team and Real Madrid fans.

"I want to show those fans how I play. I want to win many titles, I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the best. Hala Madrid."

Trent Alexander-Arnold went on to speak English during his interview, and when asked by Sky Sports News how long he had been learning Spanish, he replied with a smile: "A few months."

"He [Perez] was happy with the Spanish that I was able to speak, which I think surprised a lot of people.

"But I think for me it was important to be able to do that and it shows the intent that I've got to come here and have a good start and get off on the right front foot and achieve things straight away, starting with the Club World Cup."

Trent Alexander-Arnold also cleared the air on the role Jude Bellingham played in his move to Madrid. While it had been widely believed that the midfielder was instrumental in convincing him to leave Liverpool, Trent downplayed those claims.

He acknowledged Bellingham’s support and friendship but clarified that the decision to join Real Madrid was one he had made independently, driven by his ambition and long-held admiration for the Spanish giants.

"We spoke. Said Trent. "It wasn't exactly what people thought it was! We spoke a lot about Liverpool, we spoke a lot about Madrid. They are conversations you have as players, as friends. You want to know what it's like, of course

"At the national team, he was the oly one who knew what it was like to be at Real Madrid, so everyone was asking him questions.

"A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but the club speaks for itself, it was a huge opportunity for me, it felt like the right time and a chance to go and do that."

He also went on to praise Liverpool, expressing gratitude for the club that shaped his career, while shifting focus to the future with optimism.

Trent spoke highly of his anticipation to work under another Liverpool legend, Xabi Alonso, who made the switch to Real Madrid as the new manager at the end of the season. For some, it was a bittersweet moment — a farewell laced with appreciation, but overshadowed by the painful reminder of what they’ve lost.

He is already off to a bright start at Real Madrid, even before kicking a ball, yet the smooth fluency of his Spanish during his unveiling raised more than just eyebrows. To many Liverpool fans, it felt like the final proof of a betrayal long suspected: that Trent Alexander-Arnold had mentally checked out of Anfield long before his contract ran out.

Up until early this year, Liverpool believed they were still in control of contract negotiations. Unbeknownst to them, however, the academy graduate was already deep into Spanish lessons, preparing for life in Madrid while allowing his contract to wind down.

Though the club may choose to stay silent publicly, for many fans, the wound cuts deep. Some now view him as a symbol of disloyalty, and even a potential future return after decades of service might not be enough to mend what feels like a deliberate and well-disguised departure.