A mural dedicated to Trent-Alexander Arnold near Anfield has been vandalised ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash with La Liga leaders, Real Madrid. The defacing of the painting comes as the former Liverpool defender returns to the Reds' home this evening for the first time since his departure in June.

The 27-year-old's two-decade-long stint with the Reds came to an end as the right-back decided to leave Anfield after his contract ended on June 30, 2025. 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. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a new change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that."

Despite...