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Trent Alexander-Arnold has been welcomed with open arms as he has been unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest arrival – and the right-back, in his first display as a Los Blancos player, spoke entirely in Spanish as he thanked the club for a warm welcome.
In what has been a long time coming after months of uncertainty, the Englishman – widely regarded as one of the best defenders in world football – has finally spoken to the media as he prepares to spend many, many years winning trophies with his La Liga employers.
The 15-time Champions League winners, who secured the 26-year-old’s signature on a free this summer, did have to pay €10 million to sign him before his Anfield contract ran out so that he could play at the impending FIFA Club World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold First Real Madrid Speech Was in Fluent Spanish
And ahead of the United States-based competition getting underway, Alexander-Arnold has been unveiled to those of the Real Madrid persuasion – and much to the surprise of those in attendance, the Liverpool academy graduate spoke in fluent Spanish.
"Good afternoon. Thank you President Florentino Perez and the club for this opportunity," he said before adding, "This doesn't happen every day. It's a dream come true and I'm very happy and proud to be here. I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play."
"I do realise that I'm signing for Real Madrid and the demands are high but I'm going to give my all for the team and Real Madrid fans. I want to show those fans how I play, I want to win many titles, I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the best. Hala Madrid!"
Albeit not standing, the defender received a warm ovation from those in attendance, with many of those sporting wry smiles at Alexander-Arnold's dedication to learning fluent Spanish. His compatriot Jude Bellingham has also done a tremendous job at embracing the culture, whereas Gareth Bale famously didn't.
Earlier today, it was revealed that Alexander-Arnold – who has worn No.66 for the majority of his career – would don the No.12 at the Santiago Bernabeu, which was made famous by fellow full-back Marcelo during his storied spell at the Spanish club.