David Alaba has expressed gratitude toward Real Madrid following his departure from the club, stating he “learned a lot” during a tenure marked by both major silverware and a severe knee injury. The 34-year-old Austrian captain spoke for the first time since leaving the Spanish giants, coinciding with his national team’s upcoming match against Spain.
How did David Alaba’s tenure at Real Madrid end?
David Alaba departed Real Madrid by mutual agreement with the club’s board after his contract expired following five seasons in Madrid. The decision followed a challenging final period defined by a significant medical setback. In December 2023, during a match against Villarreal, Alaba suffered a severe rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which also affected his meniscus and cartilage.
Despite undergoing surgery and a recovery process that lasted over a year, Alaba found his role in the squad diminished. He acknowledged that he transitioned from a primary star to a secondary player, accumulating very few minutes during his final season. “I was at Madrid and I had a very good time,” Alaba said, noting that while the injury period was difficult, the overall experience was “very successful” and helped him develop as a person.
What were Alaba’s achievements and struggles at the Bernabéu?
During his five seasons at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Alaba made 131 appearances and won 11 titles. His trophy cabinet includes two UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga trophies. He famously bid farewell to the fans by lifting a chair, a gesture that had become a trademark of his celebrations with the squad.
The defender admitted that the road back from his ACL surgery was not linear. “Before the injury, we had a lot of success at Real Madrid, but there were also occasions when it wasn’t easy because of the knee,” Alaba explained. He specifically cited persistent muscle issues following the operation that prevented him from regaining the match rhythm he desired.
How does Alaba view the upcoming match against Spain?
Now focusing on his role as captain of Austria, Alaba is preparing to face a Spanish national team he describes as technically superior. “The Spanish national team has enormous qualities and they play a good style of football technically,” Alaba said, adding that Spain possesses players capable of deciding a game individually.
Despite the perceived gap in technical ability, Alaba stated that Austria will not adopt a defensive or passive posture. “We must take advantage of our strengths. We are not going to hide and we are going to go forward,” he asserted.
Summary of David Alaba’s Real Madrid Career
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 131 |
| Total Titles | 11 |
| Major Trophies | 2x Champions League, 2x La Liga |
| Tenure Length | 5 Seasons |
| Key Injury | ACL Rupture (Dec 2023) |
Austria faces Spain this Thursday in a match. Following the match, Alaba remains uncertain about his next club destination, stating, “I don’t know what the future will bring.”
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