Real Madrid have unveiled Ruud van Nistelrooy as their latest signing.
Real Madrid have unveiled Ruud van Nistelrooy as their latest signing.The Dutchman has signed a three-year deal at El Santiago Bernabeu after leaving Manchester United.
Van Nistelrooy was given permission to hold talks with Real on Thursday after the Spanish giants agreed a fee in the region of £10 million for the Dutch international.
The former PSV Eindhoven hit-man tied up the move earlier on Friday after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
Real beat Bayern Munich in the race to sign van Nistelrooy and the Dutchman admitted it was an honour to join the Spanish titans.
"This move means everything to me," said van Nistelrooy.
"It's a great honour to stand here in the Bernabeu and it is a dream come true.
"Real Madrid is a great club; it's got history, the greatest players ever have played here, so it's a great honour on my side.
"I want to thank everybody for the confidence and belief they have shown in me and I will do everything in my ability to pay them back.
"I am very very happy, thank you all."Van Nistelrooy also revealed he was sad to leave United and admitted his time at Old Trafford started to turn sour after he was left out of the starting line-up for February's Carling Cup final clash with Wigan by Sir Alex Ferguson.
"When we played the final in the `copa' (Carling Cup), that's when I started to feel unhappy," added van Nistelrooy.
"My relationship with Ferguson had ended which was very painful.
"He did a lot for me, waiting for me while I was injured then giving me the chance to play and giving me confidence.
"But what happened, happened. A good relationship ended. It was very disappointing for me."
Asked whether Real were his number one choice of destination, the Dutchman said: "Madrid is always a first choice, there is no question."
The 30-year-old believes Real can do well in next season's UEFA Champions League
"You have to deserve it," added van Nistelrooy. "Real Madrid has great qualities but you have to prove it on the pitch, not by talking."
Van Nistelrooy also expressed his delight at the reception he has received upon his arrival in Madrid.
"I landed in Madrid very early today and from that moment on I got a very warm welcome," noted van Nistelrooy.
"The representatives of the club were fantastic and I was delighted to see the fans in the stadium.
"The reception they gave me was incredible and I'm thankful to them."
