Over the last few years, much like other clubs, Bayern Munich has had a number of veteran players of the old generation depart for the next step in their career as the club ushers in the new, younger generation. We've seen players like Robert Lewandowski, Thiago, Kingsley Coman, and at the end of the season Manuel Neuer, all depart the club for the journey that comes next. Another veteran of the old guard who departed recently was defender David Alaba.
The defender left in the summer of 2021 for Real Madrid, and after an up-and-down five seasons in Spain, has finally signed with his next club, and it is one that no one probably saw coming.
It has been officially announced by Italian side Udinese that former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has joined the club on a one-year deal. The Austrian had been a free agent after leaving Real Madrid after his contract expired, and took his time before landing in Serie A.
David Alaba embarks on the next chapter of his storied career
The 34-year-old made 431 appearances in his 11 years at Bayern from 2010-2021 before departing for Real Madrid, where he made 132 appearances, winning two Champions League titles, but started to deal with injuries, suffering two torn ACL's in his time at Real Madrid. After the club decided not to renew his contract, Alaba took some time this summer to decide on his future, and while he had interest from clubs like Hamburg, Club America, and Manchester United, he ultimately picked Udinese.
Udinese General Manager Franco Collavino went on to praise Alaba as an established winner and looks forward to what the veteran can bring to the Italian side. In his press release, he went on to say:
"Signing David Alaba is a source of immense satisfaction for the entire club. We are welcoming an established champion, a leader and an exemplary professional. His arrival shows Udinese's determination to grow and compete at the highest level as well as build an increasingly ambitious squad."Udinese GM Franco Collavino
Udinese currently sits 13th in Serie A and have suffered the taste of defeat in their last three matches, so it is somewhat of a tough situation for Alaba to be joining, but if anyone can handle the adversity, someone like Alaba, who has faced everything in his career, is a perfect addition to their squad. Despite being 34-years-old now, and having won everything there is to win, his hunger still hasn't gone, and he hopes his past winning experiences can help Udinese reach a new level. Alaba went on to say:
"I've had many experiences and won a lot over the course of my career, but one thing hasn't changed, I still want to win. I still want to compete, and I still want to achieve something special. That is the mindset I'm bringing to Udinese."David Alaba
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