Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy completed his move to Real Madrid from Manchester United today, signing a three-year contract.
'I'm very pleased to be able to complete the signing of another player demanded by our coach (Fabio Capello)," Real president Ramon Calderon told a news conference at the Bernabeu.
'Ruud van Nistelrooy has just signed to be a new Real Madrid player.'
No fee was officially disclosed but Spanish media reported it to be worth about €15 million.
Earlier, Van Nistelrooy, 30, passed a medical at the Primera Liga club with Real doctor Alfonso del Corral saying the player was in 'perfect condition to sign for Real Madrid'.
In an interview with the club's television station, Van Nistelrooy said: 'It is fantastic to be here. It is a dream that has become a reality. When Real come looking for you, you don't have to think about it because you know they are number one.'
He is Real's third signing under new president Ramon Calderon after Italy's World Cup-winning captain and defender Fabio Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson, and will link up with former Manchester United team mate David Beckham.
'I miss Beckham. When he left Manchester I was sad to lose him as friend and as a player because we had a good understanding on the pitch,' Van Nistelrooy added.
'They were great times and I hope to be able to repeat them with Madrid.'
Van Nistelrooy, who scored 20 goals or more in four of his five seasons at Old Trafford, put in a transfer request two weeks ago and Real beat Bayern Munich to secure his services.
Having fallen out of favour with United manager Alex Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy now faces the challenge of competing with Raul, Robinho, Julio Baptista, Antonio Cassano and Ronaldo for a place in the Real attack.
