As Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly prepares to swap Anfield for the Bernabeu this summer, Liverpool legend John Barnes once revealed he turned down the same prestigious move back in his prime.
The 61-year-old former England star disclosed that Real Madrid came calling during his Liverpool heyday, but his loyalty to the Merseyside club prevailed.
Alexander-Arnold, who has spent 20 years at Liverpool and won every major trophy available, appears set to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer when his contract expires.
The defender was booed by the Anfield faithful when he came on against Arsenal last Sunday.
John Barnes revealed he could not leave Liverpool for Real Madrid
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Barnes, by contrast, chose a different path when approached by then-Madrid manager John Toshack after his most prolific season at Liverpool.
His revelation highlights a fascinating contrast in loyalty between different eras of Liverpool stars.
Barnes revealed the approach came after his best campaign at Liverpool, where he scored an impressive 28 goals in all competitions.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Barnes said: "John Toshack was the manager at the time, it was probably his last year [at Real Madrid]."
"He said, 'Would you like to come to Real Madrid?' I said, 'I am happy at Liverpool but if you have a bid accepted, then we will talk'."
Toshack, himself a Liverpool legend who won European honours with the club, was managing Real Madrid from 1989-90.
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He had led the Spanish giants to a LaLiga title in his first season and identified Barnes as the perfect addition to strengthen his attack.
The approach came at the peak of Barnes' powers, when his pace and skill were terrorising defences across England.
Barnes explained that Toshack wanted him to request a transfer, which would have protected the manager's own reputation as a Liverpool legend.
"Having played for Liverpool for so long and being a Liverpool hero, he wanted me to go and ask for a transfer, because of course it would look bad on him," Barnes revealed.
The winger refused to make such a request, prioritising his relationship with the Liverpool supporters.
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John Barnes was renowned for his searing pace and dazzling skills
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John Barnes is still revered as a legend by Liverpool fans
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"That is the reason it didn't happen because I didn't want to transfer. Listen, the Scousers know I'd never leave ya! I love ya!" he added with characteristic warmth.
This steadfast loyalty stands in stark contrast to Alexander-Arnold's apparent willingness to depart.
While Barnes chose to remain at Anfield despite the allure of Madrid, the current Liverpool defender seems prepared to embark on a new chapter in Spain.
Barnes went on to enjoy an illustrious career at Liverpool, remaining for another seven years after rejecting Madrid's advances.
Though he never matched his 28-goal season, he still managed 17 goals in the 1990/91 campaign.
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His trophy cabinet filled impressively during his decade at Anfield from 1987 to 1997.
Barnes claimed two First Division titles in 1988 and 1990, alongside two FA Cups in 1989 and 1992, and the League Cup in 1995.
He made 403 appearances for the Reds, establishing himself as a true Anfield icon.
His blistering pace and silky skills regularly left defenders trailing in his wake.
Before Liverpool, Barnes had already impressed at Watford with 85 goals in 296 appearances.
His England career was equally distinguished, earning 79 caps and scoring 10 goals, including a memorable solo effort against Brazil.
In 2016, he was voted England's best-ever left-footed player.
