Trent Alexander-Arnold is relishing a semifinal meeting with PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday at 10 p.m. in New Jersey, United States.
The new Real Madrid right-back played 67th minutes on Sunday as the European giants saw off Borussia Dortmund 3-2 to reach the final four.
Trent has started all four games at the World Cup as he settles in Madrid after signing from Premier League champions Liverpool at the back end of last season.
Speaking to the press after Sunday’s win, the 26-year-old acknowledged how strong PSG are as they came to the States fresh from putting on a show in the Champions League final where they beat Inter Milan 5-0.
The champions of Ligue 1 beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in their quarterfinal a couple of minutes before Trent and co took on Dortmund.
“They are very strong,” said Trent. “Very good team. I watched some of the games earlier and they showed how good they are”.
Gonzalo Garcia bagged his fourth of the tournament with Fran Garcia and a spectacular from Kylian Mbappe sealing Madrid’s win. Across the country, Dembele and Doué scored for PSG.
“FairPlay they (PSG) are the champions of Europe for a reason,” added Trent. “Very strong team but we are just as strong and believe we can beat anyone.”
Trent sealed the dream move to Madrid just before the Club World Cup and said he’s been enjoying the ride so far.
“Excited. I’m enjoying being part of the team. Playing with the best players in the world is an honor and a pleasure. Every time I step onto the pitch it’s a dream come true for me. It’s amazing”.
Trent also paid his respects to former Liverpool FC teammate Diogo Jota who died Thursday following a car crash in Spain. Trent has played with the former Portuguese international since 2020 and won the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the Premier League together.
“My love, thoughts, prayers, and heart goes to his family. Jota and Andre,” said Trent.
“You know I can’t describe how they feel because I can’t describe how I feel right now. These things don’t happen and if they happen to someone you are so close with someone who you call a friend, someone you laughed with, love on and off the pitch we’ve shared amazing memories and moments with it's something you can’t come to it.”
“It’s hugely devastating for a lot of us and it’s amazing to see how the world United, everyone in football and outside of football to show the support and love to Diogo and his brother. I’m sure his family and friends appreciated but my heart goes out to them. It’s devastating hard,” concluded Trent.
Players from Liverpool and Portugal’s national team joined family and friends for the funeral of their teammate Jota and his brother on Saturday.
