Trent Alexander-Arnold is convinced joining Real Madrid was the right decision after making his debut in the 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
The 26-year-old English right-back joined Los Blancos for €10 million after he was released early from his contract with Liverpool which was set to expire at the end of this month.
His decision not to renew his Liverpool contract caused displeasure with fans of the club who see him as a part of the Merseyside city having been born and raised there.
Further animosity was shown towards Alexander-Arnold when he spoke fluent Spanish at his Real Madrid unveiling last week. He is however happy the move was able to come through.
“In my mind and my heart I know I made the right decisions for me,” he said after the game against Al-Hilal.
“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.”
Reflecting on the draw with Al-Hilal which was the first official game of new manager Xabi Alonso, Alexander-Arnold said: “Of course there’s some disappointment. 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.
“But yeah it’s a big change, a bit different, but I’m loving every single minute of it.”
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Alexander-Arnold will hope to be on the winning side when Real Madrid face Mexican side Pachuca in their next Club World Cup game in Charlotte.
