Virgil van Dijk Shuts Down Questions About Trent Alexander-Arnold With a Single Word
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk left no room for speculation when asked about Trent Alexander-Arnold following Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid. The Dutch defender’s response? Just one word: “No.”
The scene was set even before the game. Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield wearing Real Madrid’s white kit for the first time, facing the fans who once adored him. While he remained calm and composed, the crowd made their feelings clear—cheers mixed with boos marked his homecoming, a reminder of the controversial summer transfer that saw the local star leave Liverpool for Spain.
On the pitch, Liverpool dominated. Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header secured the win, but Alexander-Arnold struggled to make an impact. Restricted to short passes and limited involvement, he looked more like a visitor than a player trying to influence the game in a stadium that once felt like home.
Post-match, some teammates offered handshakes and embraces, showing the human side of football. Van Dijk, however, gave no such warmth. When asked on live broadcast if he had spoken to his former teammate, he simply said: “No.” No elaboration, no smile, nothing to soften the blow—just a stark, powerful response.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot struck a more diplomatic tone, acknowledging the charged atmosphere and briefly embracing Alexander-Arnold, but he too did not challenge the fans’ reactions. The night reinforced the reality that some connections can never be fully mended. For van Dijk, one word spoke volumes.
