David Alaba Reveals Runjaic Persuasion: ‘Alaba Runjaic convinced me to join Udinese I feel good and ready to play’

FolioPitch.com – 06 October 2026 | David Alaba has opened up about his decision to join Udinese, revealing that coach Kosta Runjaic played a pivotal role in persuading him to move to the Serie A club. In his first press conference as an Udinese player, the 34-year-old defender declared, “Alaba Runjaic convinced me to join Udinese I feel good and ready to play,” setting the tone for an ambitious new chapter in his illustrious career.

Alaba, a four-time Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, signed as a free agent in September on a contract until June 2027. He had been without a club since his Real Madrid deal expired on 30 June and chose Udinese over interest from Union Berlin, Club América, Inter Miami, and Al-Sadd. The deciding factor, he said, was the coach. “I spoke mainly with the coach, Runjaic, and he convinced me of the project here,” Alaba explained. “I took my time to make a decision, and over time I became convinced that this was perhaps the right path. I believe it’s the right step for my career.”

The Austrian international has been training with his new teammates for about a week and is confident in his fitness. “I feel good and I feel ready to play,” he insisted. “I’ve already been training with the team for about a week, and I trained hard in the previous months. I’ve spoken often with Runjaic about my role. I’ve played a lot as a centre-back and I feel comfortable there. I’ve played in other positions too, but mainly I feel good as a centre-back.”

Before signing, Alaba sought advice from former teammates and opponents alike. “Yes, I spoke with several players, like Modric, Arnautovic and Ribery,” he revealed. “On the role, I’ve spoken with the coach and he’ll decide. I can play in the middle of a back three, but also on the left of it.” He also clarified his absence from the Austria squad this month: “I’m always in contact with Rangnick, we have a great relationship. We consciously decided together to pause things with Austria for a few days because I wanted to start my time in Udine. Serie A was definitely a league I wanted to play in, and that was definitely part of my choice.”

Udinese’s group technical director, Gianluca Nani, acknowledged the significance of the signing. “Usually we sell players to Real Madrid, now we’re signing them,” he said, highlighting the club’s ambition. Alaba brushed off doubts about his condition, stating, “I know what kind of player I am and I’m here to play football. I’m here to write the next pages of my story as a footballer. I have a lot of experience and I want to put it at the team’s disposal. I’m less interested in the rumours.”

He was equally clear about his motivations: “I decided to come here not because of my past, but because I’m ambitious and I always want more. It’s an important project and I think it’s the right step for my career. I don’t need to prove anything to myself, but I came here to build a new chapter of my career, and to help the team with my quality and experience.”

Udinese face Torino on Monday, and Alaba is ready if called upon. “I’m feeling good ahead of Monday. The decision is up to Runjaic, and we’ll also speak with the medical staff, but I feel very good,” he said. Once again, he reiterated his readiness: “Alaba Runjaic convinced me to join Udinese I feel good and ready to play.”

Alaba’s arrival marks a significant coup for Udinese, who have traditionally developed talent for bigger clubs. The defender’s experience and versatility will be invaluable as the team aims to climb the Serie A table. His ability to play as a centre-back or left-back, combined with his winning mentality, could prove transformative for the Friulian side.

As Alaba embarks on this new adventure, his focus is clear: to contribute to Udinese’s success and to enjoy his football. “I’m here to play football,” he reiterated. “I’m here to write the next pages of my story.” With his fitness confirmed and his motivation high, Alaba is ready to make an immediate impact. The message is unmistakable: “Alaba Runjaic convinced me to join Udinese I feel good and ready to play.”

In conclusion, David Alaba’s move to Udinese represents a bold statement of intent from both the player and the club. The coach’s persuasion was decisive, and Alaba’s readiness to compete suggests he will be a key figure in Serie A this season. As Udinese prepare for their upcoming fixture against Torino, all eyes will be on Alaba to see if he can deliver on his promise and help the team achieve its goals.