Leboeuf said the quotes had been taken out of context
Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf has revealed that he has received death threats and accusations of racism after his comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold were taken out of context.
Last month it was claimed that Leboeuf had labelled the Liverpool right-back as a “Championship defender”, however Leboeuf has said he was misquoted.
Speaking to Fair Betting Sites he said: “I’m very upset with the English media who took half of what I said and ran with it.
“I said ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold I love the guy’. I love his spirit, his mentality and what he brings offensively. Because it’s only fair that if you criticise him defensively that you compliment his attack threat.
“Previously as a fullback your priority was to defend well but that is not the case in 2022. We started to see that with the like of Roberto Carlos, Marcelo and Cafu.
“But the headline that TAA is a Championship level player is wrong, I never said that and would never be disrespectful to him like that.”
Leboeuf then went on to reveal that his misinterpreted comments had led to him receiving a wave of abuse, which even included death threats.
“These comments I made about TAA being taken out of context have seen me labelled as a racist and I’ve also received death threats over social media and I hate that. It’s totally unjustified because it was not a personal attack on TAA.
“Yes, I criticised his defensive ability but as part of my analysis I also praised him highly.”
Liverpool and Alexander-Arnold are in Champions League action on Wednesday night as they take on Ajax.
Related links:
- Virgil van Dijk explains what it’s like when Jurgen Klopp loses his cool
- Trent Alexander-Arnold accused of a ‘lack of desire’ in Napoli thrashing
- Ben White criticised for bizarre interview after Arsenal’s draw at Southampton
