Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described his transfer to Real Madrid as “a dream come true” in a speech he delivered in Spanish at his official presentation on the LaLiga membership on Thursday.
Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold left his boyhood final month in a tearful farewell after securing his second Premier League winner’s medal, earlier than becoming a member of Real on a six-year deal.
According to British media studies, Real paid a payment within the area of 10 million kilos ($13.58 million) to signal the 26-year-old earlier than his Liverpool contract ended on June 30, guaranteeing his availability for the Club World Cup, set to happen within the United States from June 14 to July 13.
“Thank you both to President Florentino Perez and to Real Madrid for this opportunity. Signing for a club like Real Madrid doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true,” he mentioned.
“I’m very happy and proud to be here. I’m really looking forward to showing my game to the Madrid fans. But I’m aware that playing for Real Madrid is a big responsibility.
“I’m prepared to offer all the things for the staff and the followers. I can not wait to indicate my recreation, win many titles, turn out to be a champion, develop, and revel in each second alongside the perfect gamers on this planet.”
Alexander-Arnold will wear the number 12 shirt at Real, as Spanish football regulations prohibit the use of his former Liverpool number, 66. He will display his first name, ‘Trent’, on his shirt, saying it is easier to understand for Spanish speakers.
His arrival comes as Real Madrid seek to bolster their defence following a disappointing campaign last season, during which the club failed to retain both its LaLiga and Champions League titles.
New coach Xabi Alonso, who previously played for Liverpool and Real, sees Alexander-Arnold as a successor to veteran right-back Dani Carvajal.
“To be capable of work with him now is a dream come true for me,” Alexander-Arnold said of Alonso during a press conference. “Our ambition is to go and win that (Club World Cup) trophy. I’m trying to have a terrific begin.”
Alexander-Arnold faced a backlash from Liverpool fans, who perceived his decision to leave as a betrayal, particularly given his admiration for Real Madrid ā a club that defeated Liverpool in the Champions League finals of 2018 and 2022.
He spent two decades at Anfield, contributing 23 goals and 92 assists.
“Liverpool gave me the chance to realize all my desires. It was the precise second for me, being there 20 years, reaching all the things I wished to,” Alexander-Arnold said. ($1 = 0.7362 pounds) (Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru Editing by Toby Davis and Christian Radnedge)
Published – June 13, 2025 05:16 am IST
