Trent Alexander-Arnold Unveiled as Real Madrid's Latest Signing

Real Madrid's latest signing Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks about his move to the Spanish giants, ambition for the Club World Cup, and adapting to new role under Xabi Alonso.

Trent Alexander-Arnold declared, “I've made the right choice,” after being unveiled by Real Madrid.

The new Real Madrid signing stated that Madrid was the “only” team he would have considered joining, prompting him to leave Liverpool. Initially met with jeers from Reds fans when announcing his departure, Alexander-Arnold received a warm farewell from the club's supporters on the final day of the Premier League season.

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“It was never a question of where, it was whether to go or not to go,” the 26-year-old defender told a news conference.

“I always knew... if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be to go to Real Madrid, that would be the only club for me.

“I'm not going to say it was easy because I'd been there so long, been a part of it, but eventually, you have to make a decision.

“In my mind, I've made the right one, and it's one that I'm very excited about.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold emphasized the importance of Real Madrid's rich history, saying it had to be “respected.”

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He added that the club's legacy was a major factor in his decision to join, stating, “A big reason why I joined is to be a part of that amazing history that club's got,” and expressed his desire to contribute to it.

Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed his eagerness “to be a part of the success going forward, joining an exciting, young team with a lot of potential.”

To facilitate his arrival before the Club World Cup, Alexander-Arnold was transferred for a fee despite his contract expiring this summer. He has committed to Real Madrid long-term, signing a deal that runs until 2031.

Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Xabi Alonso's project at Real Madrid, following his second Premier League title win with Liverpool under Arne Slot.

Alonso, the new Madrid coach, has a storied past with Liverpool, having won the 2005 Champions League as a player in the iconic comeback against AC Milan, where the Reds overcame a 3-0 deficit to triumph in Turkey.

“I grew up a Liverpool fan, being able to see (that game in) Istanbul with the manager now, doing amazing things there, part of an incredible final,” said Alexander-Arnold.

“We've spoken a little bit... I told him that he was a big idol of mine growing up.”

England's Trent Alexander-Arnold has drawn comparisons to Xabi Alonso for his exceptional on-ball quality and passing range.

Alexander-Arnold revealed that Alonso's playing style had a significant influence on him, saying, ”It probably impacted my game a lot growing up, seeing him pass a ball,” and mentioned that he had shared this admiration with Alonso himself.

“Watching him pass a ball, seeing it influenced me to be able to go and train harder and have a great kind of hunger to be able to do that and set standards.”

Adapting to New Role

Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed his eagerness to learn from Xabi Alonso, saying, “I'll be a sponge,” and showed flexibility in his role, willing to play wherever the coach sees fit, whether in defense or midfield.

He acknowledged the team's transitional phase, noting, “It's not just me who's new here, he's a new manager, he's got to get his ideas across to the whole team.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold could make his Real Madrid debut on June 18th against Al Hilal in Miami, marking the team's Club World Cup opener.

He'll wear the number 12 shirt with 'Trent' on the back, explaining, “I've always found when I travel to Europe, the whole name situation confuses a lot of people.”

“I just thought, let's make it simple, let's make it easy. Trent on the back, be known as Trent.”

”He's shown how amazing he is managerial-wise and as a player, so his knowledge of football is there in abundance, and I'm excited, I'll be a sponge around him.”

Real Madrid, who also signed centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, had a trophy-less season under Carlo Ancelotti.

Alexander-Arnold highlighted the team's summer ambitions, saying, “We go straight to America for the Club World Cup and our ambition there is to go and win that trophy as well.”

During his presentation, Trent Alexander-Arnold surprised many with a short speech in Spanish.

He expressed his excitement, saying, “Signing for a club like Real Madrid does not happen every day. It's a dream come true.”

“I'm conscious that playing for Real Madrid is a big responsibility, but I'm ready to give everything.”