Sports
Trent Alexander-Arnold Hails Real Madrid Move as a ‘Dream Come True’ During Official Unveiling
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold has described his move to Real Madrid as both a “dream come true” and a “huge responsibility” as he addressed fans and media during his official unveiling in Madrid on Thursday — impressively doing so in Spanish.
The 26-year-old right-back was due to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract on 30 June, but the Spanish giants paid a transfer fee to secure his early release, allowing him to join their squad in time for this month’s FIFA Club World Cup.
His presentation began with a highlights reel showcasing his journey from a promising academy talent to a key player for both Liverpool and England, featuring standout goals, assists, and defensive moments. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez then welcomed him to the club before Alexander-Arnold took the stage, flanked by his girlfriend Estelle Behnke, his parents, and brothers.
Speaking confidently in Spanish, he expressed his gratitude:
“Thank you so much to President Florentino Perez and Real Madrid for this opportunity. Signing for a club like Real Madrid doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true. I’m very happy and proud to be here. I’m eager to show the club and the fans what I can do.”
He went on to pledge full commitment to the team and fans:
“I’m ready to give everything for this team and for the Real Madrid supporters. I want to win trophies, become champions, and grow alongside the best players in the world.”
Alexander-Arnold, a two-time Premier League winner with Liverpool, was later presented with a Real Madrid shirt featuring the name “Trent” and the number 12 — a switch from the No. 66 jersey he wore at Anfield.
Perez praised the new signing, calling him:
“A player who has won it all, one of the finest full-backs in the world. We believe he can help us write a new chapter in the history of Real Madrid.”
In a subsequent press conference held in English, Alexander-Arnold revealed he had been learning Spanish for a few months in preparation for the move.
“I think President Perez was pleased with how much Spanish I spoke — maybe even a little surprised,” he said with a smile.
“It was important to me to make that effort. I want to start strong, make an immediate impact, and begin this new chapter by helping the team win the Club World Cup.”
Source: BBC
Asante Kotoko head coach, Abdul Karim Zito, says his side is fully prepared to take on Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Confederation Cup. The Porcupine Warriors will host Wydad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, for the first leg of their second preliminary round tie. The return fixture will take place a week later in Morocco.
The overall winner will progress to the group stage — a milestone Zito describes as the team’s minimum target this season.
“We are definitely ready. We’ll put finishing touches to our preparations tomorrow,” Zito told Joy Sports.
“We’ve studied Wydad’s game carefully and implemented what I want the players to do on Sunday. Everyone is focused and ready.”
Kotoko enter this clash in high spirits after eliminating Kwara United of Nigeria in the previous round, winning 4–3 in Ghana and 1–0 away in Abeokuta.
Zito believes that a win in Accra will set the tone for qualification.
“If we beat Wydad here, it means I have another game to plan for in Morocco,” he said.
“The goal is to avoid conceding there, just like we did against Kwara. Our main target is to reach the group stage — that’s what we’re working for.”
The coach emphasized the importance of winning the home leg, using a passionate message to motivate his players.
> “It’s very important to win in Accra,” he said. “I told them, ‘You will not see Africa until you are in Africa.’ I reminded them how Dreams FC made it to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and now all those players have moved on. This is their moment to showcase their talent and make people believe in them.”
Asante Kotoko will be counting on the home crowd’s support when the game kicks off at 3:00 p.m. GMT.
President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Black Stars to aim higher and make history after securing their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana sealed qualification with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium, thanks to a close-range finish from Mohammed Kudus.
Reflecting on Ghana’s football journey, President Mahama recalled the unforgettable heartbreak of 2010, when Asamoah Gyan’s missed penalty against Uruguay cost the nation a chance at the semi-finals.
He also drew inspiration from Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup run, which saw them become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals — urging the Black Stars to dream even bigger this time.
“We must follow in the footsteps of Morocco by going beyond the semi-finals and, who knows, with fingers crossed, bring the World Cup trophy home to make Ghana and Africa proud,” President Mahama said in an interview with Sporty FM.
The President also appealed for unity and unconditional support for the team.
“We must all rally behind the Black Stars,” he said. “Let’s leave politics and ethnicity aside and give them our full backing.”
The Black Stars will learn their group-stage opponents when the 2026 World Cup draw takes place on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has turned down Asante Kotoko’s request to use the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club.
The Kumasi-based club had hoped to host the second preliminary round match at their traditional home ground, citing recent upgrades made to the facility. However, CAF has deemed the stadium unfit to stage the high-profile encounter, insisting it does not meet the required standards.
In a statement issued by the club, management expressed regret over the decision, confirming that the first-leg tie will now take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m.
“Asante Kotoko regrets to inform its supporters that CAF has declined the approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host our CAF Confederation Cup clash against Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco,” the statement read.
The Porcupine Warriors advanced to this stage of the competition after eliminating Nigeria’s Kwara United with a 5–3 aggregate victory in the first round.
Before turning their attention to the continental challenge, Kotoko will face city rivals Nations FC in a Ghana Premier League encounter on October 11.
German President Steinmeier to Visit Ghana — High-Level Talks with President Mahama Set for Monday
President Mahama Arrives in Cairo for Grand Egyptian Museum Opening
DVLA Boss Questioned by Special Prosecutor Over Alleged GH¢4 Million Bribe Offer
-
Uncategorized1 week agoEnd of an Era: Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s Iconic First Lady, Dies at 76
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoShatta Wale Brings Ghana to a Standstill Today with ShattaFest 2025 x Shattabration: The King Calls
-
General News5 days agoAto Forson to Present Mahama Government’s First Full-Year Budget on November 13
-
Crime and Investigation2 weeks agoEOCO Rescues 26 Victims in QNET-Linked Human Trafficking Operation
-
Entertainment1 week agoBroadcast Icon Kojo Preko Dankwa to Receive Honor at Elite Entertainment Awards 2025
-
Entertainment1 week agoAmerado Defies Expectations with Soulful Highlife EP “Defy All Odds”
-
Politics4 days agoAfenyo-Markin Chooses Neutral Path in NPP Presidential Race, Says His Role Demands Unity Over Loyalty
-
Business6 days agoKGL Group Chairman, Alex Apau Dadey Honored with Forbes Best of Africa Corporate Leadership & Innovation Award