Alaba: Don't compare me to Real Madrid legend Ramos

Martin Macdonald

21 Jul 2021 07:37 CDT
5 min read

David Alaba: Bayern Munich withdraw new contract offer — © ProShots

David Alaba insists he has joined Real Madrid to write his own legacy and doesn't want to be compared to legendary former star Sergio Ramos.

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The Austrian was locked in talks with Bayern Munich over a new contract throughout last season, but the German giants were unwilling to meet his wage demands which would have seen him become one of the highest paid players at the club alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski.

Eventually, his departure was confirmed and he became a free agent. Nearly every elite club in Europe was linked with a transfer for Alaba including Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Juventus as well as Real Madrid.

Ramos was in a similar situation at Santiago Bernabeu as he requested a two-year deal to remain at Real Madrid, with the club only willing to offer a one-year deal due to his age.

The Spaniard would eventually accept the one-year contract, only to be told by the club that his decision had came too late.

And so, Ramos left Real Madrid after 16 years to join Paris Saint-Germain, where he received his coveted two-year deal.

Los Blancos are still sweating over the future of their other star centre-back Raphael Varane who has reportedly requested a move to Man Utd.

Alaba presents a top-class acquisition in that position, however, and at his unveiling on Wednesday it was confirmed that he would wear the number four jersey - the same jersey vacated by Ramos.

What did Alaba say at his unveiling?

Even though comparisons between the pair will be natural, Alaba has asked not to be compared to Ramos.

“I am David Alaba and I am going to act like one. I have not come here to compare myself to anyone," he said.

Alaba did say he hopes to "measure up and honour" Ramos due to his ability as a true "leader" for the club.

The negotiations to bring Alaba to Real Madrid took place while Zinedine Zidane was still in charge, and although the player would have liked to work with the legendary Frenchman, he holds a positive relationship with new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

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"I know Carlo from our time in Munich and our relationship is excellent," the Ausrian said.

There doesn't appear to be any major statement behind Alaba receiving the number four jersey, as he admitted that he simply accepted what was offered to him.

"There were not many more to choose from," he admitted.

"The club offered it to me."

Alaba is set to join his new team-mates for his first training session on Thursday.