David Alaba, whose contract ended this summer with Bayern Munich, has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. The Austrian has won the European treble with Bayern Munich and is one of the most decorated defenders of the game.
The signing of David Alaba was confirmed by Real Madrid a long time ago, and he finally had his presentation at Real Madrid’s training complex Valdebebas at 4 pm IST on Wednesday, 21st July.
Alaba will wear the No 4 shirt at Real Madrid, previously worn by Sergio Ramos, who has joined PSG this summer after he failed to reach an agreement with the club.
Alaba said in his introductory press conference about the No.4 shirt, via Marca: “I spoke to the club about that,”
“They offered me that number. I don’t think there was any other.”
“I know what the number means for the club and that motivates me. It represents strength and leadership. I want to give my all for that number.”
“I haven’t come here to compare myself with others. I’m David Alaba and I’ll keep being David Alaba. I’ll be myself.”
“This is a dream come true, as I’m at the best club in the world and it fills me with pride to be here.”
“I’m so keen to put on the shirt. I have played at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on multiple occasions and loved the atmosphere. I’m excited to play there again with this shirt.”
“I was looking for a new challenge and I think I’ve found it here.”
Alaba said about Ancelotti being appointed as the new coach: “I was sad to see [Zinedine] Zidane go, but I was happy that it was Ancelotti who came in to take over as I know him from Munich and we have a great relationship.”
“He’ll decide where I play. I am versatile and can play in different positions, but it’s the coach’s decision.”
Alaba said when asked if he’d like Real Madrid to also be presenting Kylian Mbappe this summer: “I think that is a question for others.”
“Mbappe does have a lot of quality. We all know that.”
