Trent Alexander-Arnold officially joined Real Madrid on Thursday, signing a six-year contract after leaving Liverpool as a free agent. The England international delivered his first remarks as a Madrid player in Spanish during his unveiling ceremony at Valdebebas.
Alexander-Arnold will wear number 12 with \"Trent\" on his jersey, abandoning the hyphenated surname he used at Liverpool. Real Madrid paid €10 million to secure his services before his Anfield contract expired on June 30.
\"To sign for a club like Real Madrid does not happen every day, it is a dream come true,\" Alexander-Arnold said in Spanish. \"I know it is a big responsibility to play for this club but I am ready to give everything for this club and these fans.\"
Bellingham\'s Influence on Madrid Move
The 26-year-old full-back addressed speculation about Jude Bellingham\'s role in his transfer decision. Alexander-Arnold confirmed conversations with his England teammate but downplayed Bellingham\'s influence on the move.
\"A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but to be honest the club speaks for itself,\" Alexander-Arnold said. \"It was a huge opportunity for me, and felt like the right time.\"
Alexander-Arnold revealed he had been learning Spanish \"for a few months\" in preparation for the move. He provided detailed reasoning for choosing \"Trent\" over his hyphenated surname on his Madrid jersey.
\"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.\"
Liverpool Legacy Behind Him
The former Liverpool academy graduate spent 20 years with his boyhood club, making over 350 appearances. He won multiple trophies including the Champions League and two Premier League titles before facing boos from Liverpool supporters following his departure announcement.
Alexander-Arnold becomes Madrid\'s second Premier League signing this week after Dean Huijsen\'s arrival from Bournemouth.