Having left Liverpool for Real Madrid in the summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold has responded to claims that Jude Bellingham was a major factor in persuading him to leave Anfield.For a long time it was the worst-kept secret in football that Madrid had been courting Alexander-Arnold with his contract coming to an end.From the outside it seemed Los Blancos’ midfielder, Bellingham, was a key part of convincing the right-back of a move to Spain.Speaking to Prime Video, Alexander-Arnold has now responded to those claims. • READ: Xabi Alonso explains why Real Madrid won’t train at Anfield with “200 cameras”“There was a lot of speculation, the ‘agent Jude’ stuff,” said Alexander-Arnold.“It was probably more so in his first season (at Madrid). Meeting up at England camps, not just me but everyone would want to know what it’s like behind the scenes.“How is it? Is it what it seems like?“He said it was incredible. He said he’d never felt anything like it, the drive throughout the whole club and the expectation to win.”After months of speculation and with much criticism, the 27-year-old announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the beginning of May.Despite boos and reproach from Liverpool supporters, Alexander-Arnold had made his decision and has now recalled: “It wasn’t so much him persuading me to come, it was just he talked so highly of the club.“I’d made my mind up at the end of the day. I wanted a change and needed a change for me both on and off the pitch and a challenge, so it was time to go and do that.“He’s a great lad and [we’re] great friends, and it’s good to have someone that’s English here. We both understand each other very well, know each other very well, so he made settling in a lot easier for me.” While Alexander-Arnold mightn’t actually play against Liverpool on Tuesday night, a return to Anfield will bring up a range of emotions for the boyhood Red.“When the draw was announced, I think everyone kind of knew it was going to happen, it was destined for that fixture to come,” Trent commented.“Obviously they’re a top team so I knew at some point I’d end up going back there or playing against Liverpool. It’s happening so soon. Mixed emotions. I think it’ll be a very, very difficult game but one that I’m excited for.”Though a start is not guaranteed, the right-back was asked whether he would celebrate if he scored against his former team, adding: “Whatever way I’m received is the decision of the fans.“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 we achieved together – they’ll live with me forever.“No matter what, my feelings won’t change towards Liverpool. I’ve got memories there that will last me a lifetime and, no matter how I’m received, that won’t change.”