A mural of Trent Alexander-Arnold outside Anfield has been vandalised ahead of the defender’s highly anticipated return to Liverpool with Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight.
The artwork, which depicts the former Liverpool right-back on the side of a house at the corner of Sybil Road and Anfield Road, was defaced with white paint and graffiti overnight.
Underneath the quote “I’m just a normal lad from Liverpool whose dream has come true,” vandals scrawled the words “rat” and “adios el rata” — Spanish for “goodbye rat.”
Tribute Turned Target
The mural was originally unveiled in 2019 following Liverpool’s Champions League triumph under Jürgen Klopp. It was commissioned by The Anfield Wrap and painted by French street artist Akse, whose work has become a familiar sight around the city.
On Tuesday morning, witnesses reported a cleaner attempting to remove the white paint from the wall before the match.
Tonight’s clash will mark Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance at Anfield since his summer move to Real Madrid, a decision that stirred mixed emotions among Liverpool fans.
A Divisive Farewell
The 27-year-old’s exit last season — after more than a decade at his boyhood club — provoked anger from some sections of the fanbase. He was booed during his final home appearance against Arsenal in May, though received a warm send-off during Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations later that month.
Speaking to Prime Video Sport ahead of his return, Alexander-Arnold said he remains grateful for everything he achieved at Liverpool.
“Whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans,” he said.
“I’ll always love the club, I’ll always be a fan of the club. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and the things that we achieved together — they’ll live with me forever.
No matter what, my feeling won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime. I decided I needed a change — a new challenge both on and off the pitch.”
Paying Tribute to Diogo Jota
Alexander-Arnold was also part of the Real Madrid delegation that laid a wreath outside Anfield on Monday in memory of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who died in a car accident in Spain in July, along with his brother Andre Silva.
His handwritten message read:
“My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre’s memory will always live on.
I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared.
Miss you mate, every day. Forever 20. YNWA.
Love, Trent and family.”