‘A dream come true’ – Alexander-Arnold presented as a Real Madrid player

Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold was asked what he meant by saying he had been waiting a long time to complete his move from Liverpool: “To clear that up, by waiting a long time I mean a couple of weeks. Not years.”

The feed to the interview cut out temporarily while the new Real Madrid player was expanding on that.

Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold started his news conference by putting his move to Real Madrid into context: “Very very exciting for me. A day that I have been waiting for a long time now. Very excited, very happy, very proud to be here.

“It’s a dream to be here but there is still a lot of hard work to do and I’m excited to get started straight away.

“It’s an exciting time for me.”

During the news conference, Trent-Alexander Arnold says today is a day that “he has been waiting for a long time now.”

And he “can’t wait to get started” on his Real Madrid career.

We will have the full quotes from Alexander-Arnold coming up right here.

Following the presentation, Trent-Alexander Arnold is now attending his first news conference as a Real Madrid player.

We will bring you all the quotes as the England international takes questions from the media.

Was anyone else playing spot the player in the audience?

It takes a while for the brain to assimilate the passing of time, but we are pretty confident that legendary Brazil full-back Roberto Carlos – of the swerving free-kick fame – was listening attentively in the crowd.

Did you spot any other Real Madrid greats?

More from Trent Alexander-Arnold speaking during his Real Madrid presentation: “I’m aware that playing for Real Madrid comes with great responsibility, and I’m ready to give everything for the team and for the Madridistas.

“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.

“Thank you, and Hala Madrid!”

Jude Bellingham has previously admitted he has struggled with learning Spanish since his move to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund.

But that’s one problem his new Real Madrid team-mate seems not to be having.

The former Liverpool man spoke fluent Spanish as he addressed the gathering during his presentation.

And that would have made him instantly popular among Los Blancos fans, before even he has kicked a ball in the famous Real shirt.

I’m really enjoying that more and more top level British footballers are taking the plunge and signing for top European clubs abroad. Didn’t really happen much when I was growing up in the 90s and I think the national teams were worse off for it. Good luck Trent!

Tom in London

Trent Alexander-Arnold, speaking at his presentation in Spanish, says “it’s a dream come true” to sign for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

“Signing for a club like Real Madrid doesn’t happen every day,” he said.

“It’s a dream come true. I feel incredibly happy and proud to be here. I can’t wait to show all the Madridistas my football and give everything for this badge.”

Looks like Trent has been learning Spanish for a while? Very well done!

Will

Re player presentations. Newcastle definitely did it with Shearer and then Owen. I was in Newcastle the day before the Owen reveal and half the city were already in the shirt. Only in Newcastle!

Matt

That is the end of the opening part of the presentation.

The plan next is for Trent Alexander-Arnold to be led to a meeting with fans at the club’s Real Madrid City training complex, before he faces the media.

We are just waiting to see if Real Madrid TV will be supplying video coverage.

If and when it becomes available, you will be able to follow by using the ‘Watch live’ play icon at the top of this page.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is presented with the Real Madrid jersey by Florentino Perez.

And with that comes the confirmation that he will be wearing the No. 12 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu, previously worn by the likes of Marcelo and Eduardo Camavinga.

His name on the back of the shirt will also now be ‘Trent’ rather than ‘Alexander-Arnold’, which he donned at Liverpool.

Here is a translation from a line in Florentino Perez’s speech:

“At Real Madrid, you will find teammates who form a great family, some of them good friends of yours, like our dear Jude Bellingham. And I want you to know that the defining trait of Real Madrid is that, in addition to being great players, they are all true Madridistas. You will quickly understand what Real Madrid is. Every title is a boost to try again.”

Trent is also speaking in Spanish, and making a decent stab at it, as far as my [lack of] understanding of the language goes.

Seems very fluent at least, even if he is reading an autocue.

His opening remarks are met with an ovation…

Trent Alexander-Arnold is sitting in the first row, watching the video.

Alongside him are his girlfriend, Estelle Behnke, his parents and brothers.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is now on stage to begin the presentation in earnest.

His opening gambit is, understandably, all in Spanish.

Sadly, we have no translation…

The highlights reel, which is being played in the room, began with the visuals from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early days as a Liverpool youth player to his best goals, assists, skills and defensive interventions from his Liverpool and England career.

It also cheekily includes that assist to Divock Origi in the Reds’ famous comeback against Barcelona in the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.

Re starting a new job, I’ve always liked the idea of coming out the lift on the first floor, and walking down the stairs to the main foyer where all other employees have been gathered, with my own walk on music like the Premier League darts players. FYI I’d chose Strange Town by The Jam.

Chris