Udinese presents 34‑year‑old Alaba: Immediate start in Serie A

The 34‑year‑old, five‑time Champions League winner David Alaba was officially presented at Udinese on September 24 and emphasized that he is ready to get started immediately. The presentation took place in Udine, where he appeared as the new captain of the Austrian national team. GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/CHARL documented the moment.

On Tuesday, Alaba stood at a press conference of the Serie A club together with General Manager Franco Collavino, technical director Gianluca Nani and sporting director Gökhan Inler. Collavino explained that Alaba is not coming to celebrate his past, but to be part of the present. The five‑time Champions League winner is expected to pass his mentality and culture of excellence on to the many talented players in the squad.

After his contract ended in Madrid, Alaba was linked with options in the USA or Saudi Arabia, but he has not played a club match since the end of May. In the past week he already began training with the Udinese squad and emphasized that he can start immediately. The 117‑cap Austrian international sees his role primarily in stabilising the defence.

Strengthening the defence

Udinese must replace two centre‑backs after injuries to Oumar Solet and Matteo Palma. In the first five Serie A matches the team has conceded eleven goals, collected four points and sits in 13th place. Alaba sees himself as a flexible player who can have the greatest impact especially in the centre.

Motivation and future

The Serie A league has always fascinated Alaba and he feels at home immediately. He spoke with the coach, who convinced him of the project, and consulted friends such as Luka Modrić, Marko Arnautović and Franck Ribéry before making the decision consciously. Alaba wants to take responsibility as an older brother and mentor and bring his rich experience.

He emphasizes his adaptability: in recent years he has mostly played as a centre‑back, but has also been deployed in many other positions. This versatility should help Udinese maintain tactical flexibility.

Alaba does not see his international career as finished at all and believes that the adventure in Udine can help him return to optimal form. He stresses that he is not here to celebrate his past, but to build a new chapter and help the team.

The transfer shows that Italian clubs, despite rumours about USA and Saudi targets, can still attract top talent, which revitalises the market for experienced players in Europe.