Huntelaar hopes for Euro call

Striker or Diarra to get Champions League nod

Last updated: 29th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Huntelaar hopes for Euro call

Huntelaar: Up to him

Related links

Teams

Also see

Klaas Jan Huntelaar is optimistic he will be part of Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League squad in the New Year.

The Dutch striker is joining Real from Ajax and the Spanish champions have also signed Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth.

However, Uefa rules dictate only one of the club's new signings can be added to the Champions League squad, with Huntelaar eager to get the nod.

"They can only register one player and I have to do everything possible so that player is me," Huntelaar told Marca.

"I hope to be chosen. It's up to me."

Huntelaar confirmed he had not discussed the issue with the club, saying: "I've heard about it from the press."

On a cloud

The prolific centre-forward is relishing the chance to play for Real and hopes to make his debut on Sunday against Villarreal.

He added: "I'm on a cloud. Everything is great and the good thing is that on January 4 I can play.

"I appreciate the support and affection that I have been given [at Ajax]. My dream now is to win in Madrid.

"Ajax will always be one of my teams, it is in my heart, but now I hope to do big things with Real Madrid. I want to succeed at this club."