Official: Real Madrid announce David Alaba departure | OneFootball

After the confirmation of Dani Carvajal’s exit last week, Real Madrid have announced that fellow veteran defender David Alaba will also be leaving the club after tomorrow’s game against Athletic Club.

“Real Madrid CF and David Alaba have agreed to end his time as a player for our club at the end of the current season,” the statement from the club read.

“Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection to a player who has been part of a team that has starred in one of the most successful periods in our history.”

Successful, but injury-riddled stint

Alaba signed for Real Madrid as a free agent in 2021 after bringing an end to his spell with Bayern Munich.

An icon says goodbye. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Austrian international soon became a leader at the club and played a key role in the team’s successful 2021/22 campaign when they won La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Spanish Super Cup.

Injuries, however, took a toll on Alaba’s stint at Real Madrid from the subsequent season onwards, largely limiting his role on the field. Despite that, he continued to be an important member of the dressing room, contributing well whenever fit and available.

Alaba now bids goodbye to Los Blancos after making 131 appearances for Real Madrid across five seasons, in which he won 11 trophies, including two Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.

Florentino Perez pays tribute

A memory that will forever remain etched in Real Madrid fans’ minds. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

As part of the official communique, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also paid tribute Alaba, saying:

“David Alaba has earned the affection of all Madrid fans for his dedication, his hard work, and for an iconic image on our path to the 14th European Cup, which symbolized the celebration of a victory and is now part of our club’s history.

“Real Madrid will always be his home.”

Alaba will bid goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow when Real Madrid take on Athletic Club in their final game of the season.