Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke Spanish when Real Madrid introduced him on Thursday.
Prior to the media and family announcement, the 26-year-old finalized his six-year contract paperwork at the club’s Valdebebas training ground with Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez.
Switching from Liverpool’s No. 66 and his surname, the full-back will don Madrid’s No. 12 shirt with “Trent” printed on the back.
In Spanish, Alexander-Arnold expressed gratitude to President Florentino Perez and the club for the opportunity. It’s a dream to sign for Real Madrid; I’m thrilled to be here and eager to showcase my skills to the Madridistas.
“I understand the significant responsibility of playing for this club, but I’m prepared to dedicate myself completely to the club and its fans. My goals are to showcase my skills, win numerous trophies, and rise to the top among global players”.
In a later English-language press conference, Alexander-Arnold clarified his shirt name change, revealing he’d recently started learning Spanish.
“I’ve always found when I travel to Europe, the whole name situation confuses a lot of people,” he said. “There being three names, double-barrelled and Alexander-Arnold…people call me Arnold, people call me Alexander, people call me Alex, people call me Trent. There’s a lot that goes on.
“So I just thought, ‘Let’s make it simple, let’s make it easy,’ Trent on the back, be known as Trent. That’s my name, so I guess that’s what people will call me.”
Following this, Alexander-Arnold fielded questions regarding Bellingham, his English teammate and future Madrid colleague, and his contribution to Bellingham’s transfer.
“We spoke, it wasn’t exactly what people think it was,” he said. “But we spoke a lot about Liverpool, and about Madrid. They are the conversations you have as players, as friends. You want to know what it’s like, of course.
“At the international team he was the player who knew what it was like to be at Real Madrid. So, everyone was asking questions. A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but to be honest the club speaks for itself. It was a huge opportunity for me, and felt like the right time, so it was a chance for me to come and do that.”
Following Dean Huijsen’s arrival on Tuesday, Alexander-Arnold is the Spanish club’s second Premier League signing this week.
Madrid acquired the 20-year-old Spanish international from Bournemouth for a record £50 million ($64.8 million), signing him to a contract extending to 2030, thus making him their most expensive defender.
Alexander-Arnold, an England international, has agreed to join Madrid as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Liverpool. Madrid paid €10 million (£8.4 million) for the transfer.
Liverpool fans booed him during his first game back after his May departure announcement, a 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield, as many were upset about the homegrown player leaving his childhood club.
Alexander-Arnold’s 20-year Liverpool career began at age six in the academy. His career began in 2016 at the age of 18; since then, he has played over 350 games, winning the Champions League, two Premier League titles, and several other major trophies.
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will host Madrid’s first Club World Cup game versus Al Hilal on June 18.
Credit: The Athletic
