Wednesday 19 August 2015 15:34, UK
Mateo Kovacic says he is thrilled to have joined "the best club in the world" following the completion of his £25m move to Real Madrid from Inter Milan.
The 21-year-old midfielder was unveiled to the media at the Bernabeu stadium after passing a medical and putting pen to paper on a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.
He joins Los Blancos for an undisclosed fee after two seasons at Inter Milan.
"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have no doubt about it," Kovacic said to the Spanish media. "This opportunity only comes once in a lifetime.
"When they told me about Real's offer, you don't have any doubts. I am young, I have a lot to learn and I hope I can give the best of me.
"To be able to share the changing room with such great players, it's truly an honour."
Kovacic, who was a reported target of Liverpool and Barcelona, had four years left on his contract with Inter but opted to move to Madrid and is Real's fifth summer signing.
"I hope I will not disappoint and I can meet all expectations," he said. "I have spoken to (Real Madrid coach Rafa) Benitez briefly and I'm delighted to be working with such a great coach. I know Benitez from his time at Napoli."
Kovacic made 80 appearances for Inter after joining the Italian outfit from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2013 and will play alongside compatriot Luka Modric at Real.
"Luka is a great friend and I'm very happy I will be able to play with him," Kovacic said. "Real have a great team and I'm looking forward to playing with Cristiano Ronaldo."
Kovacic attracted the attention of top European clubs after scoring five goals and setting up three more in 35 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri in the 2014-15 campaign.
Real, who are looking to bounce back from a trophy-less year, begin the 2015-16 La Liga season at Sporting Gijon on Sunday, and the match is live on Sky Sports 3 HD at 7.30pm.
