David Alaba speaks on Real Madrid transfer during unveiling on Wednesday in Spanish capital
Real Madrid have presented David Alaba this Wednesday, with the Austrian explaining why he wanted to come to the capital city club. Leaving Bayern Munich behind, he is ready for a new challenge.
Alaba will take on that challenge wearing the No.4 shirt that Sergio Ramos left behind, but he doesn’t want to compare himself to the former captain.
“I spoke to the club about that,” he said in his introductory press conference about the No.4 shirt.
“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.”
Alaba had great praise for the club and labelled Real Madrid the best in the world, something that will go down well with the fans.
“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,” the defender said.
“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.”
Carlo Ancelotti has worked with Alaba before, so it was no surprise to hear the Austrian asked about the Italian and about what position he might be deployed in
“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,” Alaba said, even confirming that he had spoken to the Italian at the training ground on Wednesday morning.
“He’ll decide where I play. I am versatile and can play in different positions, but it’s the coach’s decision.”
Finally, Alaba was asked if he’d like Real Madrid to also be presenting Kylian Mbappe this summer.
“I think that is a question for others,” he said.
“Mbappe does have a lot of quality. We all know that.”
