Real Madrid full back Trent Alexander-Arnold stated he “made the right decision” to exit Liverpool following his debut for his new club against Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup on Wednesday.
The Englishman’s decision left a bad taste in the mouth of Liverpool fans last month after his decision to move, with Real Madrid paying an £8million fee for him to join ahead of the tournament.
The 26-year-old then caused a stir during his official unveiling when give responses to questions in fluent Spanish, after staring he took “a few months” to learn the language.
“In my mind and my heart I know I made the right decisions for me.
“Obviously it was a very proud moment for me. [I’m] very happy to have made my debut.
“[Joining Real Madrid is] something that I think most, if not all players, dream of at some point in their life.
“It’s the first time I’ve moved clubs so I didn’t know what to expect. I had no expectations coming in to this,” he said.
Federico Valverde missed a penalty in injury time for Real Madrid, who had to settle for a 1-1 draw against their Saudi opponents in manager Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge.
The game was a result that frustrated Alexander-Arnold.
“Of course there’s some disappointment,” he said.
“The mentality that comes with being a Real Madrid player is wanting and expecting to win every single game.
“But, you know, new coach, some new players, new ideas, some positives to take with it especially in the second half and the foundations been built to go and win the next game.
“Course it will take a little bit of time to get used to the players and the team. It’s new to me, so it’ll take a bit of time, but I’m very happy to have played today.
“But yeah it’s a big change, a bit different, but I’m loving every single minute of it.”
