MADRID: Former Liverp­ool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described his move to Real Madrid as “a dream come true” in a speech he delivered in Spanish at his official presentation at the La Liga club on Thursday.

Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold left his boyhood club last month in a tearful farewell after securing his second Premier League winner’s medal, before joining Real on a six-year deal.

According to British media reports, Real paid a fee in the region of 10 million pounds ($13.58 million) to sign the 26-year-old before his Liverpool contract ended on June 30, ensuring his availability for the Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13.

“Thank you both to president Florentino Perez and to Real Madrid for this opportunity. Signing for a club like Real Madrid doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true,” he said.

“I’m very happy and proud to be here. I’m really looking forward to showing my game to the Madrid fans. But I’m aware that playing for Real Madrid is a big responsibility.

“I’m ready to give everything for the team and the fans. I can’t wait to show my game, win many titles, become a champion, grow, and enjoy every moment alongside the best players in the world.”

Alexander-Arnold will wear the number 12 shirt at Real, as Spanish football regulations prohibit the use of his former Liverpool number, 66. He will display his first name, ‘Trent’, on his shirt, saying it is easier to understand for Spanish speakers.

His arrival comes as Real seek to bolster their defence following a disappointing campaign last season, during which the club failed to retain both its La Liga and Champions League titles.

New coach Xabi Alonso, who previously played for Liverpool and Real, sees Alexander-Arnold as a successor to veteran right-back Dani Carvajal.

“To be able to work with him now is a dream come true for me,” Alexander-Arnold said of Alonso during a press conference. “Our ambition is to go and win that (Club World Cup) trophy. I am looking to have a great start.”

Alexander-Arnold faced a backlash from Liverpool fans, who perceived his decision to leave as a betrayal, particularly given his admiration for Real Madrid a club that defeated Liverpool in the Champions League finals of 2018 and 2022.

He spent two decades at Anfield, contributing 23 goals and 92 assists.

“Liverpool gave me the opportunity to achieve all my dreams. It was the right moment for me, being there 20 years, achieving everything I wanted to,” Alexander-Arnold said.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025