Trent Alexander-Arnold opens up on Real Madrid move – ‘This is what dreams are made of’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid presented their latest signing Trent Alexander-Arnold as a new white earlier this week and the mood in the Spanish capital was short of jubilant.

After all, the full-back arrives at a time of dire need, especially after a season where Los Blancos suffered endlessly at right-back with Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde providing cover.

Trent, meanwhile, arrives as one of the best in the business in his position and is expected to be the team’s first-choice right-back under Xabi Alonso in the coming season.

Alexander-Arnold speaks

Speaking to the club media after his presentation as a new Real Madrid player, Alexander-Arnold discussed a plethora of topics including his decision to switch clubs, Real Madrid’s legacy and what it meant to him to be at the Spanish capital.

He began by sharing his feelings about being a new Real Madrid player and how it was a lifelong dream for him.

“I’m very happy to be here. This is what dreams are made of. It’s a very emotional moment for me. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Being here is an incredible achievement, but there’s still a lot of work ahead of us,” he added.

On the club’s aura and how every player dreams of defending Real Madrid’s crest at some point in their career, the full-back said,

“Being a Real Madrid player is something that most footballers in the world want at some point in their lives. It’s still hard for me to take in that it’s a reality.”

“Being here, now, in this country, in this city, is special. Feeling like this in my new home and the welcome I’ve received has been incredible. I can’t wait to get started,” he added.

The player then detailed what made Real Madrid special and placed the club at the pinnacle of the sport, saying,

“Anyone who knows anything about football understands that Real Madrid is a team that demands success and trophies. My mentality as a player matches that demand.”

“I want to win trophies, I want to play with the best in the world, I want to achieve the greatest feats. It’s the perfect time to leave Liverpool and experience something different. There’s no better place to do it than here,” he added.

Real Madrid’s latest addition. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alexander-Arnold then went on to thank the club president involved in ensuring that his move to Real Madrid was successful and spoke on his ambition to win titles.

“Thanks to the president, the team has prospered, won countless titles, dominated in Europe and been successful in La Liga as well. Real Madrid is a team renowned for its success and for winning titles.”

“I think the president has been key to that. I have to thank him for bringing me here and giving me this opportunity to add to that success and make the incredible history of this club even greater,” he elaborated.

As a Real Madrid fan all his life, the player opened up on his earliest memories and associations with the club and the idols he grew up watching.

“My first memories were probably watching David Beckham play, and then Cristiano, Bale. Players who came from the Premier League to continue their success at this club, it was something I admired.”

“I think from a very young age, I’ve been aware of Real Madrid’s success; it’s impossible to avoid it. You feel it, season after season, the club wins trophies,” he added on the team’s trophy-winning habit.

“That’s what comes with being part of a team like this, the expectations. I’m looking forward to feeling that pressure to succeed and doing it every week,” he concluded.

Trent will work under Xabi Alonso, the new Real Madrid manager who is bringing in changes hard and fast to revolutionise the team’s play.

“I’ve spoken to him. I’m very excited. He was one of my idols when I watched him play for Liverpool. He was successful with his clubs and with his national team.”

“And he’s also been successful as a coach. He’s already shown that he can win titles and pass on his vision of the game to his teams. It’s a very exciting time for the club and a very exciting time to be part of it,” he added.

Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

Playing at the grand Santiago Bernabeu is one of the perks of playing for Real Madrid, and the new signing did not hesitate in mentioning that he was excited to play at the state-of-the-art facility.

“It’s very different when you’re a visiting player. It’s intimidating, there’s a lot of noise. To be able to come out as a Real Madrid player, hopefully soon,  will be incredible for sure.”

“It’s something I’ve thought about a lot lately, and I’m really looking forward to it. Playing in front of incredible fans who support and are passionate about football. That’s what I like, showing what I can do and I’m looking forward to it.”

At Real Madrid, Trent will be united with one of his best friends and compatriots Jude Bellingham and he elaborated on the conversation he shared with the midfielder before his transfer.

“As friends do, we talked about his experience here. When you change clubs, you want information about the team.”

“He told me he loved it and you can see that in his play, he enjoys his football. Everything told me that this was the place to progress in my career,” he added.

Towards the end of his interview, the player spoke about the FIFA Club World Cup where he is expected to make his debut for Real Madrid.

“There’s no better way to start. Going to the United States and playing in the Club World Cup, being part of such an incredible team.”

Finally, he thanked supporters worldwide for the warm welcome, saying,

“Thank you all for your support and the warm welcome here in Spain. I’m really looking forward to getting started and being a Real Madrid player. Hala Madrid!”