David Alaba: Real Madrid was the first club to consider on my list

After his contract with Bayern Munich expired, the Austrian international joined as one of the most highly ranked players in Europe. 

"I didn't consider many clubs, but Real Madrid was the first on my list," Alaba said in comments carried by 

.

"Like Bayern Munich, it's one of the biggest clubs in the world with a special history and tradition.

"There have been so many great players in the history of Real Madrid and so many great victories and titles. I want to join them and continue this success story with the club and the fans."

In Spain's capital, Alaba's signing is seen as a coup at a time when an ego boost is much required. Los Blancos had a difficult last month of the season, losing

on the penultimate day and being knocked out of the

by Chelsea.

Alaba was born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and a Filipina mother and progressed through Bayern's development system after being kidnapped from Rapid Vienna at the age of 16. He has spent his whole career at the club, with the exception of a brief loan spell at Hoffenheim. Alaba has 10 Bundesliga championships, six German Cups, three German Super Cups, two Champions Leagues, two European Super Cups, and two Club World Cups to his credit in Germany.

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