The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender was presented as Udinese’s latest signing after considering several options in Germany, Spain and Italy before deciding to move to Serie A.
“I had several conversations with Runjaic and took some time to make the right choice. Here I saw opportunities, I had also spoken with other clubs but I had to understand the next step of my career,” Alaba said. “I like the Udinese project and that is why I chose it.”
Asked whether he is ready to play against Torino, Alaba replied: “I think so, for me I would be, but the decision is up to the coach.”
The 33-year-old explained that moving to Italy was about challenging himself rather than choosing a particular city.
“The city was not a fundamental element of the choice, it was certainly a challenge for me and that’s why I took it. I felt it was the right step for this specific moment of my career,” he said.
Alaba also wanted to experience Serie A after spending much of his career in Germany.
“I wanted to gain experience in this championship, one of the best leagues in the world. It was something I wanted for myself, something positive for my career,” he said. “I had options in Germany and Spain, but I spent a long time in Munich and I was looking to leave my comfort zone and look for something different.”
Udinese general director Franco Collavino believes Alaba can contribute beyond his performances on the pitch.
“He is not here to close his career. He is not here to celebrate the past but to look to the present,” Collavino said. “We ask him to make an impact in everything he can, and to raise the level of mentality while working with the many talented young players we have in the squad.”
Alaba has also stressed his willingness to help those younger players, having previously taken on a similar role at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“For me it is normal, I am someone who wants to help the team and especially the young players. As happened already in Madrid and Munich,” he said.
His move to Udinese therefore represents a fresh challenge, with the defender seeking a new experience and the club hoping his experience can accelerate the development of their younger players.