Trent Alexander-Arnold has been unveiled as a Real Madrid star following his departure from Liverpool and will have a new name and number on his shirt in the Spainish capital
Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed why he has chosen to put his first name on his Real Madrid shirt, after being presented as Los Blancos' newest signing. The former Liverpool full-back was present in Madrid to be introduced to the capital's media, and even delivered some fluent Spanish.
The Reds' academy product confirmed in May that he would depart Anfield and Real Madrid ultimately secured his signature. The La Liga giants paid a significant transfer fee to land Alexander-Arnold early, so that he could feature in the FIFA Club World Cup this month.
The full-back has a new name and number on his shirt at the Bernabeu. Alexander-Arnold has swapped the 66 he has become associated with for 12 on the back of his shirt.
In La Liga, players are obligated to wear numbers from 1-25 when they are named in a club's 'A' squad. Alexander-Arnold takes the number which has previously been worn by Eduardo Camavinga and Marcelo.
But the new signing chose to change the name on the back of his shirt, and has even changed his Instagram profile to simply 'Trent'.
"Yeah, it's an easy explanation," said Alexander-Arnold. "I always found when I travel to Europe the name situation confuses people, double barrel.
"People call me Alexander or Arnold or Trent, so let's make it simple, be known as Trent, that's my name, so I guess that is what people will call me!"
He added: "Signing for a club like Real Madrid doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true. I feel incredibly happy and proud to be here. I can’t wait to show all the Madridistas my football and give everything for this badge."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez expressed the magnitude of Alexander-Arnold's arrival, at his unveiling at Real Madrid's Ciudad Deportiva. "You know the sacrifices your family has made during your career," he said.
"Dear Trent, you're now a Real Madrid player, the club that has won 15 European Cups. Your talent and your capacity for sacrifice convince you to achieve great things here.
"At the Bernabéu, its magic and mystique will captivate you. Your teammates are a family of Real Madrid fans, and you'll soon understand what this club means. The next challenge is the Club World Cup.
"One of the best players in the world is arriving. Thank you for choosing Madrid as your new home."