Real Madrid News
David Alaba pens heartfelt letter to Real Madrid fans after final appearance: ‘Thank you for every single memory’
David Alaba bid the Santiago Bernabeu and Real Madrid goodbye last night after the team’s win over Athletic Club. The club, after all, decided against renewing his contract given his age, wages, and fitness struggles.
The player, thus, bowed out with a win alongside Dani Carvajal and will not be at the club next season. The shy person he is, he did not speak much and kept his conversation with the fans short, emotional, and to the point.
His journey as a Real Madrid player, thus, came to an end after 131 appearances and five years and it remains to be seen what his next destination will be.
Alaba’s farewell letter
Taking to his social media after his last game for Real Madrid, Alaba penned an emotional letter to the fans via X where he explained the roller coaster of emotions he is feeling at the moment.
He began by thanking the club and fans for giving him the chance to experience something special over the past few years, saying,
“Gracias, Real Madrid. I have experienced many things in football and I know that emotional moments are simply part of the journey. But saying goodbye to Real Madrid is something truly special – and without a doubt another really emotional moment of my career.”
“When I arrived in Madrid together with my family and friends, I came with excitement, big dreams, and high expectations. What I experienced over these past five years is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Remembering all the highs and lows he has gone through over the years at the club, he penned how it felt to have his name etched in history with some of the greats of the game despite all the struggles.
“Together, we experienced incredible matches, unforgettable nights, and games that will forever belong in the history books. We won major titles – exactly what every player dreams of when wearing the shirt of Real Madrid.”
“But difficult moments were also part of this journey. Especially the time of my injury was one of the toughest periods of my entire career. That is why I am even more grateful for the unbelievable support I received from the club, my teammates, and the fans during that time. I will never forget how much everyone helped me return.”
The player then wrote in detail about how his time at Real Madrid was off the field and how the people at the club, including the players and the staff, made him feel at home.
“But these five years were about much more than football success. I met incredible people here and built friendships that will last a lifetime.”
“I will miss the everyday moments in the dressing room – the conversations, the laughter, and all the little things that made this team so special.”
Elaborating on what the city of Madrid means to him after spending some wonderful years at the Spanish capital, the player wrote,
“Madrid has become a second home for my family and me. This city, this club, and the people here welcomed us with so much warmth from the very first day. That is exactly why this goodbye is so difficult.”
“Words cannot truly describe how proud I am to have been part of the history of this club. Wearing this shirt, winning titles, and sharing special moments with the Madridistas mean everything to me.”
Finally, Alaba thanked the club for everything, saying,
“Thank you for everything. Thank you for this incredible time. Thank you for every single memory.”
“Saying goodbye is incredibly hard, but at the same time, I am full of motivation and excitement for the next chapter. I truly hope our paths cross again soon.”
“I wish everyone at this club nothing but the very best for the future, and I truly hope that the special relationships and connections I built here will remain for many years to come. Hala Madrid y nada más!” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid weighing up January move for €70 million-rated Arsenal midfielder – report
Real Madrid’s midfield is the one department where Jose Mourinho sees clear scope for improvement, especially given that the club did not sanction his wish for a top midfield signing in the summer.
While Bernardo Silva has chipped in as a handy option to feature in the deep midfield, the club still lacks a controlling and creative option who can glue the team together.
In that sense, there is a clear lacuna that Real Madrid need to address and Defensa Central brings to light that the club have opened up to a potential target.
Zubimendi emerges as a target
Indeed, the player in question is Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi who the club have seen as a target for a long time, and Real Madrid could even go on to sign him in January.
The Spanish international has not started off the new season well under Mikel Arteta and has primarily featured as a substitute. He does, thus, see a move to Madrid with good eyes in every sense.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not ruled out his signing as was reported in recent months and there is even a chance they seriously pursue him in the winter transfer window as a mid-season fix.
The possible fee
The Spanish outlet also add that Zubimendi’s move to Real Madrid could be completed for a fee similar to what Arsenal paid for the player for his transfer from Real Sociedad – €70 million.
Mourinho’s insistence on making a new midfield signing is no secret, and with a clear target now in mind, the board could well back him with the player he wishes.
Notably, however, even Chelsea are seriously interested in his signing.
So far, Federico Valverde has been Real Madrid’s mainstay in midfield, and Aurelien Tchouameni’s return will change the team’s dynamics in the department.
Neither player, however, offers the control and distribution skill set that the team direly lack.
A big part of whether or not the club pushes for Zubimendi, however, will depend on how the Valverde-Tchouameni combination plays out in the coming months. It is, after all, the manager’s first-choice combination for big games.
