Former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially joined Real Madrid, signing a six-year contract with the Spanish giants. The England international was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he surprised fans by addressing the media in fluent Spanish.
Alexander-Arnold arrives from Liverpool, who received €10 million ($11.3 million) as compensation to release him from his contract early, allowing him to join Real Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.
“Thank you to Florentino Pérez and the club for this opportunity. This doesn’t happen every day,” Alexander-Arnold said during the unveiling. “It’s a dream come true. I’m very happy and proud to be here. I understand the expectations that come with playing for Real Madrid, and I’m ready to give everything for the team and the fans.”
He added, “I want to win titles, to be a winner here, and to enjoy playing alongside some of the best players in the world. Hala Madrid.”
Club president Florentino Pérez welcomed the 26-year-old with high praise:
“Trent is a legend of the game at just 26 years old. He’s won everything in football and played for one of the greatest clubs in the world, Liverpool. Now, he’s chosen to continue his journey with us.”
Pérez continued, “You could have joined any club in the world, but you chose Real Madrid. That means a lot to us and to our fans. You’ve come to the most admired and successful club in football history, where your dream can grow even bigger. Our supporters will stand behind you, always.”
Alexander-Arnold will wear the No. 12 shirt, previously worn by Eduardo Camavinga. He is expected to go straight into the squad for the Club World Cup, with Real Madrid set to travel to the United States for group-stage matches against Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg.
