Karagher: Arnold’s Preference for the Ballon d’Or Over the World Cup Suggests He Wants to Join Real Madrid

According to recent British media reports, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed dissatisfaction with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s remarks. The latter stated that he would rather win the Ballon d’Or than help England win the World Cup or Liverpool another Champions League title.

In the latest round of the Premier League, Liverpool drew 2-2 with Arsenal away. After the match, Arnold was interviewed by Sky Sports. When asked to choose between winning another Champions League title, winning a trophy with England, becoming Liverpool’s captain, or winning the Ballon d’Or, Arnold clearly answered: “Winning the World Cup with England would be a huge honor, but I would choose to win the Ballon d’Or. I believe I can do it, and I hope to be the first full-back to win it.”

Perhaps realizing his statement might be seen as inappropriate, Arnold further explained: “Only on the morning after you retire can you look in the mirror and say you’ve given everything you had. No matter how many trophies or medals you have, what matters is what you’ve contributed to the game and whether you’ve reached your full potential. Only when you’ve fulfilled your potential and become the player you want to be will you feel happy, regardless of how many championship trophies you’ve won.”

As a former Liverpool legend and old captain, Carragher harshly criticized Arnold’s comments, seeing them as a sign of “disloyalty” from the young defender. Carragher said on Sky Sports: “Arnold can aim to win the Ballon d’Or; having high aspirations is not wrong, but when I read this interview, my first reaction was ‘you won’t win the Ballon d’Or as Liverpool’s right-back.’ Ballon d’Or winners usually play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, where the best players in the world go.”

Carragher specifically pointed out the oddity in Arnold’s choice: “A normal player’s mindset would choose the World Cup or the Champions League because football is a team sport. Clearly, Arnold has great ambition, and everyone only has one career, so I think this suggests he will join Real Madrid.”