David Alaba bid an emotional farewell to Bayern Munich after 13 years
(Picture: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Real Madrid have announced the signing of former Bayern Munich stalwart David Alaba.
The versatile Austrian international has signed a five-year contract in the Spanish capital worth a reported £10.5million per season and is set to be unveiled as Los Blancos’ latest star arrival after his involvement at the rescheduled European Championship this summer.
Alaba previously spent 13 trophy-laden years at Bayern after joining from Austria Wien in 2008, making 431 appearances in total and winning a plethora of major silverware including 10 Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues, six German Cups and two Club World Cups.
However, the 28-year-old’s contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of June and he had already confirmed earlier this year following months of speculation that he would not be renewing but instead seeking a “new challenge”.
“I leave a special club for another special club. I am really happy and honored to join Real Madrid. After so many years in Munich I will face a new challenge and I will give my best to continue the club's special history,” Alaba said.
“I can't wait to play my first match in the iconic white jerseys in front of all you fans in Madrid. I'm sure that this journey will be a successful one. Together with all madridistas. VAMOS!”
A whole host of top European clubs were linked with Alaba’s signature, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, it had long been expected that he would put pen to paper at Real Madrid, who are currently searching for a new manager after Thursday’s confirmation that Zinedine Zidane had left his role for the second time.
The likes of Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Raul, Joachim Low and Thomas Tuchel have all been linked with the vacant position so far.
👕 #WelcomeAlaba@David_Alaba | @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/U0Uu7TiEmC
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 28, 2021
Zidane’s departure came after a trophyless season for Real, who were pipped to the LaLiga title on the final day of the season by rivals Atletico and lost to Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League in addition to suffering an embarrassing early exit from the Copa del Rey against minnows Alcoyano.
Meanwhile, Bayern - who have also lost Jerome Boateng this summer but signed the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Reading’s Omar Richards - clinched a ninth straight Bundesliga crown in addition to winning the German and Uefa Super Cups and the Club World Cup in Qatar.
