By Martin Graham
Trent Alexander-Arnold officially became a Real Madrid player this week, marking a new chapter in his career following his departure from Liverpool. The England international addressed the press in both Spanish and English, expressing pride and excitement at joining the 15-time European champions.
Alexander-Arnold opened his unveiling with fluent Spanish before switching to English, where he briefly stumbled while expressing his enthusiasm. Clarifying that his “long wait” to join Madrid was a matter of weeks rather than years, he reiterated his deep respect for his former club while underlining his admiration for the Spanish giants. “I knew that if I ever left Liverpool, this would be the destination,” he said. “It felt like the moment had arrived.”
He added, “I’ve represented the biggest club in England, and now I’ll play for the biggest one in Spain.” His comments were both careful and appreciative, acknowledging both clubs without slighting either.
Speculation had swirled for weeks that Jude Bellingham played a key part in convincing Alexander-Arnold to make the switch. But the 26-year-old was quick to dismiss the idea that his decision was driven by anyone other than himself. “Of course we talked about Madrid and Liverpool,” he said, “but it was just what teammates and friends usually talk about.”
Alexander-Arnold explained that Bellingham was simply the only member of the England setup with first-hand experience of the Spanish capital, so it was natural for conversations to happen. But the final call rested with him alone. “The club speaks for itself,” he insisted.
When asked about Xabi Alonso, his eyes lit up. “I’ve told him he was a role model,” he said. “Seeing him play really pushed me to develop my own passing ability.” The Liverpool title parade in 2005, which passed directly in front of his childhood home, left a strong impression. “That final shaped so much of what I believed football could be,” he shared. Now, working with Alonso, he described it simply as “a dream.”
The defender is set to officially meet the squad on Friday, though he’s already encountered new arrival Dean Huijsen during a recent vacation. One player he’ll soon be competing with is Dani Carvajal, who remains part of the squad while recovering from injury. Speaking respectfully, Alexander-Arnold said, “He’s accomplished a great deal, and that doesn’t happen without dedication.”
Asked about linking up with star forwards like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior, his smile said it all. “It’s a relief not having to stop them anymore,” he joked. “Playing alongside them is something I’m looking forward to.”
With a new era beginning in Madrid, Alexander-Arnold’s ambition appears matched by gratitude – for his past, his present, and what lies ahead.
