Trent Alexander-Arnold joins Real Madrid: His first words after leaving Liverpool, all you need to know

NEW DELHI: New Real Madrid acquisition Trent Alexander-Arnold stated during his Thursday presentation that Real Madrid was the singular club he would have contemplated departing Liverpool for.Although Liverpool supporters initially expressed displeasure at the academy graduate's summer departure announcement, they ultimately provided a cordial farewell during the final Premier League fixture."It was never a question of where, it was whether to go or not to go," the 26-year-old defender told a news conference."I always knew... if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be to go to Real Madrid, that would be the only club for me..."I'm not going to say it was easy because I'd been there so long, been a part of it, but eventually, you have to make a decision."In my mind, I've made the right one and it's one that I'm very excited about."The full-back expressed his reverence for the 15-time European Cup winners' legacy and his desire to contribute to it."A big reason why I joined is to be a part of that amazing history that club's got," he said."Be a part of the success going forward, joining an exciting, young team with a lot of potential."

Alexander-Arnold secured a contract until 2031, facilitating an early arrival before the Club World Cup despite his contract nearing expiration.He joins former Liverpool midfielder and current Madrid manager Xabi Alonso's project after securing a second Premier League title under Arne Slot at Liverpool.Alonso achieved Champions League success with Liverpool in 2005, participating in a notable final against AC Milan where Liverpool recovered from a three-goal deficit to triumph in Turkey."I grew up a Liverpool fan, being able to see (that game in) Istanbul with the manager now, doing amazing things there, part of an incredible final," said Alexander-Arnold."We've spoken a little bit... I told him that he was a big idol of mine growing up."The England international's ball control and passing abilities reflect similarities to Alonso's style."It probably impacted my game a lot growing up, seeing him pass a ball, I explained this to him as well," the defender continued."Watching him pass a ball, seeing it influenced me to be able to go and train harder and have a great kind of hunger to be able to do that and set standards."

'I'll be a sponge': Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold expressed his eagerness to learn from Alonso and his willingness to adapt to any position, whether defensive or midfield."It's not just me who's new here, he's a new manager, he's got to get his ideas across to the whole team," he said."He's shown how amazing he is managerial-wise and as a player, so his knowledge of football is there in abundance and I'm excited, I'll be a sponge around him."His Madrid debut could occur against Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami during their Club World Cup opener.At Madrid, Alexander-Arnold will wear number 12, with 'Trent' displayed instead of his surname."I've always found when I travel to Europe, the whole name situation confuses a lot of people," he explained."I just thought let's make it simple, let's make it easy. Trent on the back, be known as Trent."Madrid, who also recruited centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, seeks success in the United States this summer after failing to secure major trophies under Alonso's predecessor Carlo Ancelotti."We go straight to America for the Club World Cup and our ambition there is to go and win that trophy as well," said the defender."I'm looking to have a great start."Previously, Alexander-Arnold impressed attendees by delivering a brief Spanish address during his presentation."Signing for a club like Real Madrid does not happen every day. It's a dream come true," he said."I'm conscious that playing for Real Madrid is a big responsibility, but I'm ready to give everything."