David Alaba shuts down 'exit talk lies' at Real Madrid

The 32-year-old defender, who has been recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, made clear that he has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu despite speculation over his future.

Alaba, who is entering the final year of his deal in Spain, was linked with a summer move, but he dismissed the rumours after Austria's 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. "I've been in the football world long enough; rumours are part of the game," he said. "I often laugh about it because none of it is true, they're all lies."

The Austrian returned to action earlier this month after being sidelined for many months. He featured in the 1-0 win over Cyprus, completing 82 passes, more than any other player on the pitch, before starting again against Bosnia, where he added 79 minutes and led the team defensively with three clearances and a blocked shot.

Austria Vienna defender Aleksandar Dragovic, a close friend, revealed Alaba's renewed energy. "He told me he's fitter than ever since his cruciate ligament tear. All of Austria dreams of the World Cup. Twenty-eight years of waiting is enough."

Austria's two straight wins have left them on the brink of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a goal Alaba described as the highlight of his international career. "In terms of quality, potential, and depth, we are perhaps the best national team that has ever existed," he said. "It's a big dream, not just for me, but for the entire country."

Alaba has shown once again why he remains central for both club and country.

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