A mural celebrating Trent Alexander-Arnold ’s Liverpool career has been defaced with the word “rat” ahead of the defender’s return to Anfield with Real Madrid.

Arnold's mural near the stadium — once a proud tribute to his journey — has been vandalized, a sign of how fractured his relationship with the city has become.

Un mural de Trent Alexander-Arnold fue vandalizado antes de su regreso a Liverpool para jugar el martes con el Real Madrid en la Liga de Campeones.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has made clear his feelings on facing Liverpool tonight in the Champions League with a simple one-word message to fans.

Even if current boss Arne Slot refused to call out his own fans, the Anfield crowd’s reaction was harshly criticised by several Liverpool players and iconic former manager Jürgen Klopp. Alexander-Arnold was subsequently given a warm send-off as Liverpool celebrated the top-flight title in May and he is prepared for any reaction on Tuesday night.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — A mural of Trent Alexander-Arnold was defaced ahead of his return to Liverpool with Real Madrid on Tuesday. The word “rat” was repeatedly daubed over the artwork, located near Liverpool’s Anfield stadium.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed on his return to Anfield on Tuesday evening as Liverpool went head-to-head with Real Madrid in the Champions League. The right-back departed Liverpool to sign for the Spanish side ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer.

Arnold's emotional return to Anfield is set to take a dramatic twist, with the Real Madrid defender 'highly unlikely' to start against his former club. The 27-year-old, still recovering from a hamstring injury,

Trent Alexander-Arnold said he will always love Liverpool however he is received at Anfield on Tuesday. The 27-year-old is likely to be included in the Real Madrid squad for the Champions League clash after recovering from a hamstring injury.