David Alaba’s arrival gives Udinese a new strand in their Serie A season: a player with the experience of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, now choosing Friuli for the next stage of his career. Presented in Udine on Tuesday 6 October, the 34-year-old Austrian defender spoke of a quick connection with his new surroundings and of a long-held wish to play in Italy.
Alaba begins in Udine
- Alaba joined Udinese at the end of September as a free agent, following five seasons with Real Madrid.
- On Tuesday, he was formally introduced to the media and supporters as the club’s latest signing.
- The Austrian said the welcome he had received during his first days in Friuli had made him feel at home quickly.
- He described himself as eager to begin his Udinese adventure, thanking the club for the opportunity and the reception.
For Udinese, the move brings a defender accustomed to major European stages into Kosta Runjaic’s group. Alaba explained that his conversation with the coach was central to the decision.
“I am here because I spoke with the coach, who explained the project to me,” Alaba said. “I took time over the decision and became convinced that this was the right direction for me, the right step in my career. I had always wanted to play in Serie A.”
A central defender ready to adapt
Alaba sees central defence as his natural position, although his career has repeatedly shown a capacity to cover other areas when required. He said he can operate at full-back or in midfield, but stressed that the coach’s needs will come before any personal preference.
“I consider myself primarily a centre-back, though I can adapt as a full-back or in midfield,” he said. “Whatever role the coach gives me, I am here to help the team.”
That flexibility may offer Runjaic an experienced option across several positions, while Alaba’s principal objective is to settle into a new squad and a league he had wanted to experience.
International pause agreed with Austria
Alaba also addressed his position with the Austria national team. He has spoken with head coach Ralf Rangnick and agreed to step away temporarily while he establishes himself at Udinese.
The defender made clear, however, that he does not regard his international career as finished. The immediate task is adaptation in Udine; the door to Austria remains open.
