David Alaba joins Udinese on a free transfer after Real Madrid exit

Udinese have signed former Real Madrid defender David Alaba on a free transfer, the Italian club announced on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Austria international left Real Madrid at the end of the season after his contract expired. Udinese described the signing as the arrival of a player offering “experience, leadership and a distinguished career at the highest level of world football”.

Alaba began his career in the youth system at Austria Wien before moving to Bayern Munich, where he made his first-team debut in the summer of 2010.

He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 and spent five years with the Spanish club.

During his time at Real Madrid, Alaba added to an already decorated career. He won the Champions League four times – twice with Real Madrid and twice with Bayern Munich – as well as the UEFA Super Cup three times, including two victories with Bayern Munich and one with Real Madrid.

He also lifted the FIFA Club World Cup three times, winning the competition twice with Bayern Munich and once with Real Madrid.

Alaba won 10 league titles, six domestic cups and five German Super Cups during his Bayern Munich career.

At international level, Alaba, who captained Austria, has made 117 appearances and scored 15 goals.

He has also been named Austrian Footballer of the Year 10 times.