David Alaba was officially introduced as a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons. The Austrian international, who completed a decade-long campaign at Bayern, will wear the number 4 jersey that belonged to Sergio Ramos, who left the club this season and headed for Paris Saint-Germain.
“I spoke to the club about it, it was the number they offered me and I don’t think there was another one available. I know what this number means to the club and it’s an honor to use it, it’s something that motivates me a lot. It’s a number that represents strength and leadership,” he said, discarding, however, any comparison to the former captain merengue: “I don’t come to be compared to other players. I am David Alaba and I will continue to be so. I come to be myself and help with my characteristics.”
On choosing Real Madrid: “I decided to take a step forward in my career. I received many offers, but there was only one option, which was Real Madrid. It’s a dream come true, this is the biggest club in the world and it’s the challenge I was looking for.”
Alaba also regretted the departure of Zidane from the coaching of Real Madrid, but was pleased to meet Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he worked at Bayern: “We have a good relationship and it is a great pleasure to be coached by him again.”
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