‘Dream come true’ for Alexander-Arnold

MADRID, Spain:

Trent Alexander-Arnold was officially introduced by Real Madrid on Thursday, saying he was fulfilling his dream to play for the Spanish powerhouse and under his idol Xavi Alonso.

The 26-year-old England fullback was the latest reinforcement on defence for Madrid after a season in which the back line struggled following injuries.

Madrid pushed up signing Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool -- for a reported fee of up to 10 million euros ($11.5 million) -- to get him on June 1 instead of for free at the end of the month. That allowed Madrid to count on the defender to play for Alonso's team at the Club World Cup in the United States.

Madrid open their Club World Cup group-stage campaign against Saudi club Al-Hilal next Wednesday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Alexander-Arnold was accompanied by his parents and relatives in the capital. After signing the contract alongside Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, he was introduced with a video of his highlights and then spoke briefly, in Spanish.

"Thank you for this opportunity," he said. "To sign with a club like Real Madrid doesn't happen very often. It's a dream come true. I'm very happy and proud to be here. I'm very excited to show my game to Madrid fans, but I'm aware that it's a great responsibility to play for Real Madrid. I'm ready to give my all for this team and for the fans."

Alexander-Arnold was born in Liverpool and grew up as a Liverpool fan but "always admired the (Real Madrid) players and the club".

"Whether you support the club or not, you have to respect its history and its trophies," he said. "I grew up watching this club win three Champions League titles in a row. I'm not surprised to see Real Madrid winning trophies. I wanted to be part of the club's success from now on. It's a team with a winning mentality and I can't wait to get started."

Alexander-Arnold said he looked up to Alonso when the new Madrid coach played for Liverpool.

"I told him he was an idol of mine, and now being with him is a dream come true," he said. "He's had a big impact on the way I play. He did impossible things and influenced me in terms of training and working hard. I have him to thank for my high standards."

Madrid also this week introduced central defender Dean Huijsen.

- AP