Trent Alexander-Arnold 'happy and proud' as he speaks Spanish at Real Madrid unveiling, shirt number revealed ahead of Club World Cup

Trent Alexander-Arnold is starting his Real Madrid journey, having joined from Liverpool on a six-year deal. The Englishman has been officially unveiled as a Real player, with his shirt number being revealed. The 26-year-old will be part of the Real squad that plays at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, with the Spanish giants taking on Al Hilal next week.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Thursday, as it was confirmed he will wear the number 12 shirt at the Bernabeu.

Alexander-Arnold is part of the Real squad that will fly to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday.

And when the 26-year-old is there, he will wear the shirt previously worn by Eduardo Camavinga after Marcelo left the club. It will say "Trent" on the back, rather than "Alexander-Arnold" like it did during his time at Liverpool.

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The England international, whose recent Liverpool departure became acrimonious at times, was unveiled at the Valdebebas Sports City in Madrid after agreeing to a six-year contract.

He called it a "dream come true" to be joining Real.

"This doesn't happen every day. I'm very happy and proud to be here," Alexander-Arnold said.

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"I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. 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.

"I want to win many titles. I want to be a winner here and playing alongside the best players in the world. Hala Madrid."

Before Alexander-Arnold took to the stage, he had been addressed by Madrid president Florentino Perez, who said: "You have chosen to play for Real Madrid because you know that this is the place where you can achieve even more glory.

"The supporters will have your back and give you energy and support whenever you need it the most.

"At Real Madrid, you will be welcomed by what is a great family. What makes this club different is that this club is full of Real Madrid fans. The players support the club.

"Every title leads to the fight to win the next title. This club badge means so much. Teamwork, camaraderie, respect, solidarity. Soon you will see what Real Madrid means.

"Thank you, Trent Alexander-Arnold, for joining Real Madrid. Welcome to your new home."

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Alexander-Arnold later spoke to reporters, where he paid tribute to former club Liverpool.

"The club gave me the opportunity to go and achieve all my dreams and I'll forever be in debt to the club for that," he said.

"But, I thought it was the right moment for me. Being there 20 years, achieving everything that I wanted to.

"I feel like I'm mature, ready, experienced to go and be successful somewhere else.

"It was never a question of where. It was whether to go or not to go.

"I've probably known it for a long time. If I was to leave Liverpool it would only be to go to Real Madrid.

"It gets to a point where you've got to make a decision whether to go or to stay. Making that decision wasn't an easy decision."

Alexander-Arnold, who said he had been learning Spanish for "a few months", also clarified the decision to have "Trent" on his new shirt.

"When I travel to Europe, the whole name situation confuses a lot of people," he said.

"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 thought, let's make it simple, let's make it easy. Trent on the back, be known as Trent, that's my name."

Alexander-Arnold was unveiled at Real Madrid on Thursday

Image credit: Getty Images

Alexander-Arnold played down the influence of England teammate Jude Bellingham, as he switches Merseyside for Madrid.

"At the national team, he's the only player who knew what it was like to be at Real Madrid," Alexander-Arnold said.

"A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but, to be honest, the club speaks for itself.It was a huge opportunity and the right time for me."

Real will be aiming for an upturn in fortunes under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who recently replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the hot seat.

Their great rivals Barcelona won La Liga last season, while Real exited the UEFA Champions League to Arsenal at the quarter-finals stage.

Alexander-Arnold was set to sign for Real as a free agent, but the Spanish giants paid Liverpool £10 million to release him from his contract early and allow him to play in the Club World Cup.

Real will play their opening game of the revamped tournament against Al Hilal next Wednesday.

Alexander-Arnold was booed by a number of Liverpool fans during their Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield last month.

Alexander-Arnold spoke to reporters after being unveiled at Real Madrid

Image credit: Getty Images

There was some discontent among supporters at how the star handled his departure.

He did, however, receive a better reception at Liverpool's final game of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool to win the club's 20th league title under new manager Arne Slot.

Alexander-Arnold was part of Liverpool teams under Jurgen Klopp that had a number of memorable successes.

That included winning the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and then the Premier League in 2020, their first league title for 30 years and first in the Premier League era.

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