independent.co.uk

Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks Spanish as he describes ‘dream’ Real Madrid move

The England international has moved to the Spanish capital after his Liverpool contract expired.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid (Joe Giddens/PA)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Trent Alexander-Arnold said joining Real Madrid was a “dream come true” as he delivered his opening address to club dignitaries and invited guests in Spanish.

The 26-year-old England international, who has signed a six-year deal after his contract with Liverpool expired, was watched by his family as he spoke confidently at his official presentation ahead of a press conference.

His choice to speak in the language of his new club and not English surprised many but showed the preparation which had gone into this move, something for which he was criticised by sections of the Liverpool fanbase after leaving the club on a free transfer.

“This doesn’t happen every day, it’s a dream come true and I’m very happy and proud to be here,” he said after his 20-year association with Liverpool officially came to an end.

“I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play; 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 and I want to be a winner here and enjoy playing alongside the many great players.”

Alexander-Arnold, wearing a black suit and tie, sat next to girlfriend Estelle Behnke as a video montage was played of his best moments in a Liverpool shirt, inevitably featuring his two assists in the 4-0 Champions League semi-final comeback against Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona.

His mum Dianne, sat alongside his dad Michael and brothers Tyler – his agent – and Marcell – could be seen wiping away tears as the video concluded.

Real president Florentino Perez described Alexander-Arnold as: “A player who has won everything, one of the best defenders and full-backs in world football.

“One on the greatest players worldwide is joining this club and hopefully we can write a new page in the history books.”

Read full news in source page