David Alaba responds to speculation about Real Madrid future
- David Alaba linked with return to Bundesliga
- 31-year-old's fitness record at Real Madrid called into question
- Defender admitted keeping an eye on former club Bayern Munich
By Sean Walsh
Real Madrid defender David Alaba has responded to reports suggesting he could leave the club in the near future.
Alaba joined Madrid from Bayern Munich on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, choosing to end his 13-year association with the Bavarian giants in search of a new challenge.
In his first year at the Santiago Bernabeu, Alaba helped Los Blancos win a Champions League and La Liga double, forming a fine partnership in the heart of defence with Eder Militao.
His second season in Spain was disrupted by a spate of muscle injuries, though Carlo Ancelotti was able to call on new signing Antonio Rudiger in the Austrian's absence. Alaba's fitness during the 2023/24 season has also been interrupted by an adductor issue, while Madrid have largely been without Militao after suffering an ACL injury early in the campaign.
Due to his increasingly questionable fitness record, Alaba has been linked with a return to the Bundesliga, but he has quickly moved to quash such speculation.
"I'm not thinking that far ahead. I feel very comfortable in Madrid," Alaba said while away with the Austria national team.
"I like Real Madrid and I have very clear goals. My thoughts are not anywhere else."
Though his heart is clearly in Madrid, Alaba recently admitted he has been watching former club Bayern's progress this season.
"Of course, I'm always following FC Bayern. They're having a very good season so far. Yes they were knocked out of the Pokal, but they've been doing very well in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga," Alaba said.
When asked who is better prepared out of Madrid and Bayern for a deep run in the Champions League, Alaba replied: "I think that depends on so many details. Both teams have the quality to win the Champions League. Of course our goal is to be at the top in the end, but there's still a very long way to go."
Both Madrid and Bayern sit two points behind surprise leaders in their respective domestic leagues, with Girona top of La Liga and Bayer Leverkusen leading the way in the Bundesliga.
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