Van seals Madrid move

Dutchman signs five-year deal at Spanish giants

Last updated: 5th August 2008

Rafael van der Vaart Real Madrid

Van der Vaart: Real new boy

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Rafael van der Vaart has tied up his move to Real Madrid from Hamburg.

The Dutch international has signed a five-year deal at El Santiago Bernabeu after passing a medical.

Van der Vaart announced on Monday via his official website he had agreed a move to Real and now the deal has been finalised.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Real for some time and they finally agreed a fee with Hamburg last weekend.

The former Ajax ace will join fellow Dutchmen Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe in Bernd Schuster's squad.

Van der Vaart's arrival will help provide cover following the serious knee injury sustained by Sneijder during last weekend's defeat to Arsenal in the Emirates Cup.

"I am delighted to be able to play for the best team in the world," said van der Vaart.

"It is a dream for my family and now I want to win as many trophies as possible here."

Champions League Nationality of Winner 08/09 Win Outright: Spain 5/2