UFC lightweight fighter and fervent Liverpool supporter Paddy Pimblett has expressed his frustration over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from the club. In an interview, Pimblett stated that, in his opinion, the defender should not participate in the team’s celebration parade due to the manner of his exit.
Pimblett, known as a cult idol in Liverpool for his community work and his status as a lightweight contender in the UFC, achieved an impressive knockout over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, marking one of the best performances of his career. He is currently ranked number 6 in the UFC lightweight rankings.
In addition to his success in mixed martial arts, Pimblett is a lifelong Liverpool fan. During an interview, he revealed that he booed Alexander-Arnold when he came on as a substitute in the match against Arsenal at Anfield last week.
I think, first of all, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s been a lot of thought and feeling gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years, I’ve loved every minute, I’ve achieved all my dreams, I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever wanted here.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
When asked about Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club, Pimblett expressed his feelings.
I have never in my life seen one of our players booed. That’s how you know it’s real.
Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett added:
It’s standard. If you’re going to cheat on your club… You’re supposed to be a Liverpool lad.
Paddy Pimblett
While Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah renewed their contracts, Alexander-Arnold confirmed his departure from the club and is expected to join Real Madrid this summer.
Van Dijk and Salah are now more of Liverpool than him, it’s that simple. They were talking all year about wanting to stay, about wanting to sign a new contract.
Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett continued:
He simply didn’t do an interview about it because he knew he was leaving.
Paddy Pimblett
In addition, Pimblett criticized Alexander-Arnold’s farewell video.
Even that pathetic video he posted… Reading a teleprompter. Nothing he said came from his heart. He didn’t even get emotional, if I was leaving Liverpool Football Club, I’d be in floods of tears. He’s forgotten where he’s come from.
Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett also expressed his frustration at the criticism Liverpool fans received after booing Alexander-Arnold at Anfield against Arsenal.
He deceived us. Nobody should be able to tell us how to feel. All the experts and that, don’t try to tell me how I should feel. If I feel like booing him, I’ll boo him. It’s that simple. He shouldn’t be in the trophy parade because it will only bring down the mood.
Paddy Pimblett
Liverpool’s parade is scheduled for May 26, starting at Allerton Maze and ending at Blundell Street.
