Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has released a 90-second animated video welcoming fans back to Anfield.
Ahead of the first matches at Anfield with spectators Alexander-Arnold also sat down with Arsenal and England great Ian Wright to discuss his career, Anfield and how much Liverpool means to the fans and vice versa.
Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold pays tribute to the fans
When asked what is was like playing without any fans in the stadium, Alexander-Arnold said: “It’s difficult because you don’t realise how much fans influence game plans. Even though you know they’re watching at home and they’re all over the world tuning in, it’s not the same without them. I miss the route into the stadium, all the fans there, tens of thousands waiting to greet us every single game.”
Anfield is no ordinary football ground and the small numbers of fans allowed back will struggle to replicate the famous spirit of Anfield especially on those famous European nights.
“There’s something in the stadium… spiritual,” Alexander-Arnold said.
“It’s just something in the atmosphere, you can feel the history. The Barca game was obviously amazing but that City game [Champions League in 2018], I’ve never felt like that. The only negative about those nights is you can’t speak to your centre back as you can’t even hear them. You’re screaming at the top of your lungs, and they can’t hear you. You’re trying to tell them “Your shoulder, watch your shoulder” but they can’t hear you.”
Scouse born and bred Alexander-Arnold says that he still remembers being a fan watching his heroes and can scarcely believe his footballing dreams have come true.
“I’m still a fan first and foremost and maybe I enjoy things more because of that.
“When I’m playing, I always look up to where I used to sit and can recall exactly where I was for that first time.
“At Anfield, I can point it out to within 10 seats even though it’s a new stand now I can picture exactly what angle I was looking at. That may seem unbelievable but it’s true.”
Alexander-Arnold remembers his very first visit to Anfield as a fan, during Liverpool’s incredible triumphant 2005 Champions League campaign. He got an up close view of the 2-1 quarterfinal first-leg victory that included a stunning strike from Anfield cult hero Luis Garcia.
“It was the quarter-finals in 2005 against Juventus – Luis Garcia scored that volley. I remember the roads just before you get to Anfield, hearing the warm-up music. There’s thousands of people and obviously I’m small at this age so I was trying to weave my way through, holding my mum’s hand. The one image I’ll never ever forget was going into the stadium and going up the stairs to find your seat, and you finally get that first glimpse of the pitch. It was at that moment I knew I had to be on that pitch one day for sure.”
Liverpool will welcome fans back into Anfield for Sunday’s clash with Wolves.
Watch: Can’t wait to see you
