Paddy Pimblett claims to know when Trent Alexander-Arnold first started learning Spanish and it speaks volumes

Trent Alexander-Arnold took many by surprise when he started speaking fluent Spanish at his Real Madrid unveiling, although it wouldn't have come as much of a shock to UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett.

The 26-year-old full-back, who departed boyhood club Liverpool this summer after more than 20 years, was introduced to the Spanish media on Thursday afternoon in a much-anticipated press conference.

Here, his first words as a Real Madrid player suggested his decision to leave Anfield was hardly a last-minute one, as he spoke to the room in the language of his new employers.

“This doesn’t happen every day,” he said. “It’s a dream come true, I’m very happy and proud to be here."

He added: "I want to show Real Madrid fans how I play. I do realise I’m signing for Real Madrid and that the demands are high, but I’m going to give my all for the team. I want to win many titles and play alongside the best players.”

Trent also claimed in his unveiling that he had been learning for a “few months” but last month, UFC fighter and fellow Liverpudlian Paddy "The Paddy" Pimblett suggested otherwise.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "I'd trade my career in a heartbeat for Trent's. It's not just the fact he's leaving it's the way he went about it. He strung the club along for two years - to work his deal down so he goes for free."

"I've heard he's been learning Spanish for the past 18 months," added Pimblett.

The UFC fighter has certainly been vocal about Alexander-Arnold and his future. After he was booed by some Liverpool supporters during their clash against Arsenal, Pimblett made some strong statements.

"I've never ever in my life seen one of our players get booed. That's how you know it's real," he said in an interview with ESPN.

"It's standard if you're going to string your club along. You're meant to be a scouser, lad. Van Dijk and Salah are now more scousers than he is, simple as that."

Trent addressed the Spanish media in their native tongue. Image credit: Getty

He added: "They were talking all year about wanting to stay, wanting to sign a new contract. He just didn't do an interview about it because he knew he was leaving."

Alexander-Arnold announced his Liverpool departure in an emotional video, which also didn't go down well with Pimblett.

"Even that pitiful video he put out," said Pimblett. "Reading a teleprompter. Nothing that he said was from his heart. He didn't even get emotional, if I was leaving Liverpool Football Club I'd be crying my eyes out. He's forgotten where he's come from."