In the summer, David Alaba left FC Bayern after 13 years, two triples and ten German championships. The Austrian moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer and succeeded Sergio Ramos as head of defence. In the big kicker interview (Monday edition) he talks about the comparison with the legend, his first time at Real, the years in Munich and says: “Here everything is a bit bigger than at Bayern.
Ramos went to Paris St. Germain, Alaba took over the position and number four. But that was it in terms of similarities. “I came here to write my own story and play my game. I get the comparisons now and then, but I don’t deal with them much. People accept that now I’m here and I’m playing my football, I want to write my story with Real,” Alaba tells us, adding, “Besides, we’re different types of players and it’s hard to compare us. “
“You notice the history of this club when you walk around the training ground or through the city. “
DAVID ALABA
The Austrian moved from one world club to the next, the transition was not difficult for that reason alone, Alaba also says he already has a decent command of Spanish. “I felt this special aura and atmosphere from day one. And you notice the history of this club when you walk around the training ground or through the city. This club is something very special,” he says about Real Madrid and compares the royals with his former employer: “Bayern Munich is one of the biggest clubs in the world, Real Madrid as well. That doesn’t take much away from each other. Nevertheless, here at Real everything is just that little bit bigger, without being disrespectful towards Bayern. “
Despite the contract offer withdrawn by the club a year ago and the farewell, he has only warm words for Munich: “One hundred percent only positive thoughts remain after 13 years. I am incredibly grateful to this club for what it has given me.”
In the current issue of kicker (Monday edition, also available as eMagazine from Sunday evening), you can also read how Alaba compares the top goal scorers Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, which encounters he had with Real legends Roberto Carlos and Raul, how Kroos’ family helped him in Madrid at the beginning, how he rates La Liga compared to the Bundesliga and who he sees as the favourites in the Champions League. He also comments on FC Barcelona and Austria’s difficulties in the World Cup qualifiers.
