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Hugo Ekitike and Trent Alexander-Arnold respond to Ibrahima Konate message Former Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate is settling into life at Real Madrid as the defender looks ahead to his future with his new club for the upcoming campaign Ibrahima Konate got his first taste of life at Real Madrid, with the former Liverpool star making his unofficial debut for the club in a preseason friendly over the weekend. The 27-year-old made the controversial switch to Los Blancos this summer, as he announced his exit from Anfield at the end of his contract. It came as quite the shock, considering claims from the defender that he was close to agreeing a new deal earlier this year, but as time dragged on without confirmation, it all pointed toward a move. Real Madrid had loomed large in the background, having poached Trent-Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool the year prior in a switch that didn't sit well with many of the Anfield faithful. After those previous Champions League encounters and transfer sagas, Konate's move wasn't met with jubilation either, as he left for the Bernabeu and a brand new challenge ahead. Before Liverpool supporters could see how the former center-back settled in at Real Madrid, there was a World Cup for him to compete in, which saw very few minutes handed his way, with France finishing fourth overall. Now he's back from his summer break, Konate was handed his first taste of action with Los Blancos, as Jose Mourinho gave him 45 minutes to impress against Schalke. In that time, the 27-year-old kept a clean sheet, making one interception and two clearances, as he continues to build up fitness and chemistry with his new teammates around him. He then sent a message on Instagram after the game, stating: "First time wearing this shirt! An honour. Hala Madrid!" The comments were filled with supportive comments from teammates, old and new, with both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander-Arnold commenting with heart emojis. Other Real Madrid aces such as Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen, Endrick, and Arda Guler joined in with comments supporting the star for his first appearance. It all gets started for real with Konate and his new side next weekend, when Los Blancos travel to Barcelona, where they will face off with Espanyol for the opening match of the campaign. It remains to be seen whether the French international will be in the lineup straight away or if he will have to wait for his opportunity to impress.