Trent Alexander-Arnold stunned supporters and media alike when he delivered his entire Real Madrid unveiling address in fluent Spanish last week, sparking questions about when the England international truly decided to leave Liverpool.
The right-back's linguistic prowess caught many off guard, particularly given his lifelong association with Merseyside.
His command of the language during the presentation, where he described joining the 15-time European champions as "a dream come true", left observers wondering how he had achieved such fluency.
The revelation has prompted speculation amongst Liverpool supporters that the 26-year-old may have been preparing for his Spanish move well before his departure from Anfield became public knowledge.
Trent Alexander-Arnold stunned supporters and media alike when he delivered his entire Real Madrid unveiling address in fluent Spanish last week, sparking questions about when the England international truly decided to leave Liverpool
GETTY
Speaking to DAZN after his Club World Cup debut for Los Blancos on Wednesday, Alexander-Arnold addressed the linguistic questions that had been circulating since his unveiling.
"I've been learning Spanish for a couple of months," he told the broadcaster. "When I knew I was coming, I wanted to learn to adapt."
The former Liverpool vice-captain emphasised the importance of cultural integration in his new surroundings.
JUST IN: Darts commentator emotional after 'absolutely out of order' Luke Littler incident
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his Real Madrid debut at the Club World Cup on Wednesday
GETTY
"New country, new team and new city... It is important to show that you intend to adapt as best as possible to the culture. That's what I'm doing," he explained.
His comments came following Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in Miami, where he made his first appearance for the Spanish giants.
The timeline of Alexander-Arnold's decision has become a point of contention amongst Liverpool supporters, with many questioning whether his March departure decision aligns with his Spanish language proficiency.
READ MORE: Andy Murray, 38, makes heartbreaking admission ahead of Wimbledon
Liverpool fan media outlet Redmen TV commented: "Impressive for a lad who only decided in March really."
Other supporters were more direct in their scepticism about the official timeline.
"This guy has been planning this move for a WHILE!!" wrote one fan on social media.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Another Liverpool supporter appeared to agree with this assessment, suggesting a much longer preparation period: "Of course Trent should, when you're planning this move for almost 2 years."
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his departure timeline, Alexander-Arnold has expressed no doubts about his move to the Spanish capital.
Following his debut against Al-Hilal, he reflected on the transition from his boyhood club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'loving every single minute' of his time at Real Madrid
GETTY
"It's the first time that I've moved clubs so I didn't know what to expect. I had no expectations coming into this," he said.
"It's a big change and it's different but I'm loving every single minute of it and in my mind and my heart, I know that I made the right decision for me."
Most Read
