During a guest appearance on Camel Live, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard touched on a range of topics, including Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid this summer.
Regarding the English defender’s departure from Liverpool to join Real Madrid earlier this year, Gerrard said: “I’m not speaking on behalf of Liverpool anymore when I say this. When I was still playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid actually sent Jose Mourinho to approach me—honestly. It shocked me.”
“It didn’t generate as much attention or noise as the Chelsea incident, because it was quickly quashed due to the timing and what Real Madrid wanted me to do for it.”
“So it never got much attention or caused a stir, but it did tempt me. It definitely tempted me, no doubt about it. After all, it’s Real Madrid. So, putting aside my Liverpool hat, whether you like it or not, even if you’re a Manchester United or Liverpool fan, Real Madrid and Barcelona are two giant clubs.”
“And I can understand Arnold. I get his decision. His best friend plays there. Maybe he wanted to challenge himself. He’s won everything at Liverpool. So deep down, I really do understand.”
“But when I put my Liverpool hat back on and think about it, I think, ‘Trent, what are you doing? What are you guys doing?’ You could argue you’re one of the best teams in Europe. You’ve won things I still dream of winning sitting here.”
“You’ve won the Champions League. You’re one of the key figures in the team. The fans adore you. What are you doing? I faced the same decision once, but I chose to stay because I loved Liverpool…”
“I just think he’s taking a huge risk. He’s an exceptional footballer, one of the best passers I’ve ever seen. He has the chance to be mentioned in the same breath as David Beckham and Paul Scholes, no question. But in my opinion, after leading Liverpool to the heights they’ve reached and having just signed a new contract, he’s taking a massive risk. And I think he’s now paying the price for that risk. I hope it works out for him because I love him—love him to bits—but if it were me, I would never have done it.”
“In football, when a player is linked with a team like Real Madrid or Barcelona, criticism always follows. Behind this sport we play are thousands of fans who pay good money—whether for tickets, jerseys, or investing their passion on social media. They have the right to voice their opinions, but when it crosses the line into personal abuse, I can’t agree with that.”
“The fans who spent £90 on his jersey are the same ones who flew to Dortmund for £3,000 to watch him score that free-kick. It’s these fans who support the club with their hard-earned money that make up the most valuable constructive criticism in football. You have to learn to handle that pressure, and he has done that.”
“But I have to say, this risk he’s taken is worrying. As a player who just signed a new contract and is in his prime, choosing to leave when he could be leading Liverpool is undoubtedly a huge gamble. He’s one of the best passers of his generation, with talent to match David Beckham and Paul Scholes. I’ve seen so many great midfielders, and his passing vision is easily among the best.”
“Now he’s paying the price for that choice. I sincerely hope it works out for him in the end because I genuinely admire this young man. He has the ability to deserve success, but if it were me, I would never have made such a risky decision. Football is cruel after all—fans who cheer for you today might question you tomorrow. But this is the path we’ve chosen: to keep moving forward amid a mix of praise and criticism.”
