Wayne Rooney has offered his perspective on Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential move to Real Madrid, revealing he faced a similar dilemma during his career.
The Liverpool defender is out of contract at the end of the season and reportedly close to agreeing terms with the Spanish giants.
Rooney believes the move would be understandable, saying: "If he was to leave Liverpool for any other club you might wonder why, but, because it is Real we are talking about, I don't think you could question it as a career move."
The former Manchester United striker revealed he was approached by three clubs when he requested a transfer in 2010.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been told a move to Real Madrid might be for the best by Wayne Rooney
PA/Reuters
"In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some talks did take place," Rooney told BBC Sport.
Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona all made approaches for his signature.
Rooney admitted: "A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days but it was Barcelona whom I thought about the most."
He ultimately decided to remain at Old Trafford despite the temptation of playing alongside Messi, Iniesta and Xavi.
Rooney believes Real Madrid's current squad makes them an attractive proposition for any player.
"Real are the same now with superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, so of course it must be appealing to Alexander-Arnold," he said.
Despite Alexander-Arnold's long association with Liverpool, Rooney understands the appeal of a new challenge.
"He has been at Liverpool for almost 20 years - since he was six - but the reality is that most players move at some point."
"I would not blame Alexander-Arnold for wanting to do something a little bit different - Spain would be a really good move for him."
Unlike his own situation in 2010, Rooney notes that Alexander-Arnold isn't leaving due to trophy concerns.
"He's had a brilliant time there and has already won everything there is to win."
Wayne Rooney tried to force a move away from United in 2010, and had interest from Spain
GETTYRooney acknowledges why Liverpool fans are upset, particularly about losing him on a free transfer.
"No-one seems to have said much about the other players letting their deals run down, just Alexander-Arnold. That's because he's a local lad, which feels a bit unfair."
"Alexander-Arnold has been an excellent servant to the club, so you can't begrudge him wanting to try something new."
Despite the speculation, Rooney suggests Alexander-Arnold could still remain at Anfield.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool at the end of the season for nothingReuters"Alexander-Arnold has not signed anything with Real yet and it would not surprise me if, even after all this speculation, he ends up staying," he said.
Rooney draws from his own experience where transfer talks didn't materialise.
"It is well known that some United fans protested outside my house when they thought I was going to leave in 2010, but I'd agreed my new contract by then."
"A lot can happen before a contract is signed - as I know from experience."
