Real Madrid have officially unveiled Trent Alexander-Arnold as their latest signing, with the 26-year-old England star expressing unbridled joy at fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
The former Liverpool vice-captain, speaking fluently in Spanish at his presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu, stunned club president Florentino Pérez and fans alike, declaring, “Signing for Real Madrid does not happen every day. It’s a dream come true.”
Alexander-Arnold, who reportedly joined for a transfer fee of €50 million (£42m) with add-ons, as per The Athletic, ended his 20-year association with Liverpool, where he made 310 appearances and won the Premier League, Champions League, and multiple domestic trophies.
“I will be forever grateful to Liverpool; I will always be in debt to them,” he said, reflecting on his journey from academy prospect to global superstar.
“I spent 20 years there and enjoyed every minute. I just thought it was the right time to move.”
The right-back, renowned for his pinpoint passing and set-piece mastery, revealed he had been learning Spanish during his time at Liverpool, a decision driven by his singular ambition to join Real Madrid.
“I knew for a long time that I would only leave Liverpool for Real Madrid. No one else,” he stated.
“It was never a question of, ‘Where do I go? It was always, “Do I go to Madrid or not?” His fluent Spanish address, ending with a passionate “Hala Madrid”, drew rapturous applause from the assembled media and supporters.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez hailed the signing, calling Alexander-Arnold “a legend, one of the best in the world”. He emphasised the club’s amicable negotiations with Liverpool, noting, “We have a great relationship with Liverpool; they are our dear friends.”
The transfer, finalised after months of speculation, sees Alexander-Arnold sign a five-year contract until 2030, per Marca.
Addressing Real Madrid’s demanding fanbase, Alexander-Arnold acknowledged the high expectations. “I do realise I am signing for Real Madrid; the demands are high. I’m going to give my all for Real Madrid and the fans,” he pledged.
“I want to win many titles. I want to be a winner here and play alongside the best players in the world.”
Alexander-Arnold is expected to compete with Dani Carvajal for the right-back spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, which is chasing a 16th Champions League title.
His arrival bolsters a star-studded lineup featuring Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé, signalling Real Madrid’s intent to dominate European football.
As fans chant his name, Alexander-Arnold’s new chapter in the Spanish capital promises to be one of the season’s defining narratives.
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaking in fluent Spanish at his Real Madrid unveiling 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/vgxJZU7c3J
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 12, 2025
