Real Madrid new boy admits it is a “dream come true” to play under “idol” Xabi Alonso. Alexander-Arnold, 26, after he left earlier this month to make the switch to the Spanish giants.

The England full-back will link up with new Real boss Alonso, who left Bayer Leverkusen to take charge of the side and replace Alonso helped Liverpool win the in 2005 and spent five years at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold said: “I’ve spoken to Xabi few times. I told him he was an idol of mine growing up, so to work with him is a dream come true. I’m very excited to be here. Whether you support the club or not, you have to respect the history.”

Alexander-Arnold is close friends with Real star and many believed his England team-mate was the one who convinced him to ditch the Reds for Los Blancos.

But he said: “We spoke but it wasn’t what people thought. A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here but, to be honest, the club speaks for itself. It was a huge opportunity for me and it felt like the right time as well.”

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Alexander-Arnold has signed a six-year contract with Real after the Spanish side paid Liverpool £10m to get him early enough to play in the Club World Cup which kicks off next week. of his jersey rather than Alexander-Arnold.

He said: “My kit name being only ‘Trent’? It’s an easy explanation, I always found when I travel to Europe, the three-name situation and it being double-barrelled is. People call me Arnold, Alex, Trent. I thought let’s make it simple. Just Trent.

"That’s my name and I guess that’s what people will call me.”

Alexander-Arnold upset some Liverpool fans by leaving at the end of his contract rather than staying at the club where he was at since he was six. Bhe won two titles, the Champions League, and two League Cups during his time in the senior side.

And revealed the club’s owners, FSG, have said he’s welcome back to visit any time as he leaves on good terms with Liverpool. But he admits he would only have left for one club and that was the one he has joined.

Alexander-Arnold added: “I know for a long time that if I was ever to leave Liverpool it would only be for .

“Making the decision to stay or go wasn’t an easy decision. In my mind I made the right decision.”

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