{
  "id": 9567466,
  "title": "Why I Joined Udinese — Ex-Real Madrid defender Alaba",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/why-i-joined-udinese-ex-real-madrid-defender-alaba",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T14:52:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/why-i-joined-udinese-ex-real-madrid-defender-alaba/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "David Alaba, a former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender, has revealed why he moved to Serie A club Udinese. The 34-year-old Austrian international joined Udinese on a free transfer, agreeing to stay until the end of the season. Alaba, who has won four Champions League titles, stated that his decision was motivated by his ambition to compete at the highest level once again. In a club statement, Alaba expressed his desire to win again and achieve something special at Udinese. He emphasized that he hasn't retired and is still ambitious, stating, \"I’m still too ambitious for that, and I still strongly believe in what I can do on the pitch.\" Alaba, who has made 117 appearances for Austria and scored 15 goals, joins a Udinese team that has collected four points from their first five Serie A matches. His arrival adds significant experience to the team as they aim to improve on their 10th-place finish last season.",
  "summary": "Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender David Alaba explains his decision to join Serie A side Udinese, citing his desire to keep competing. Read More: https://punchng.com/why-i-joined-udinese-ex-real-madrid-defender-alaba/",
  "key_points": [
    "David Alaba joined Udinese on a free transfer.",
    "34-year-old Austrian defender aims to compete at highest level again.",
    "Alaba believes in his ability to achieve something special at Udinese."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Why I Joined Udinese — Ex-Real Madrid defender Alaba",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/why-i-joined-udinese-ex-real-madrid-defender-alaba-9567805",
        "published": "2026-09-24T14:56:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}