Ronaldo overwhelmed as Madrid unveil him at a jam-packed Bernabeu
Ronaldo overwhelmed as Madrid unveil him at a jam-packed Bernabeu
Cristiano Ronaldo said yesterday he had fulfilled a "childhood dream" as he was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player before a record-setting capacity crowd of nearly 80,000 people at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
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world at his feet! Cristiano Ronaldo juggles the ball during his official presentation as a Real Madrid player in front of a record gathering of 80,000 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium yesterday. |
"I am very happy to be here," the 24-year-old Portuguese winger told cheering fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after completing his long desired move here from Manchester United.
Childhood dream"For me it's the realisation of a childhood dream, which was to play for Real Madrid. I never expected the stadium would be full just to see me. It is impressive," he added.
Club officials said the event smashed the previous record for attendance at the unveiling of a footballer set in July 1984 when Diego Maradona was presented at Naples after signing from Barcelona before 75,000 people.
Real acquired Ronaldo from Man U last month on a six-year deal worth USD 131 million, making him the most expensive player in the world.
Ronaldo, the 2008 FIFA world player of the year, said he was "proud" to be the world's best paid footballer.
"I want to prove that they paid the right price for me," he said at a news conference.
"We have a great team, a great coach, and we have to take it step by step. We have a really good chance to win the Champions League," he added.
Real, Spain's historically most successful team, last won the Champions League in 2002.
At the unveiling Ronaldo wore the No 9 jersey once sported by club legend Alfredo di Stefano. The Argentine striker, Real's honorary president, was present at the unveiling as was Portuguese legend and former Real player Eusebio.
The No 9 jersey was recently vacated by Argentine striker Javier Saviola, who joined Benfica last month.
While Ronaldo wanted to keep the No 7 which he used during his six years at Manchester, that number is already taken by Real captain Raul. "The numbers don't play. It is me who is going to play and I am going to play well," Ronaldo said.
Extraordinarily fitHead of Real's medical services, Carlos Diez, said Ronaldo was "in perfect condition and his cardiac and lung capacity is extraordinary" after he underwent medical tests.
Ronaldo will team up with Kaka, the 2007 FIFA world player, who signed with Real from AC Milan for 65 million euros from AC Milan in early June. Kaka was officially unveiled on June 30 before 55,000 fans. Among Real's other signings are French striker Karim Benzema from Lyon and defender Raul Albiol, who joined from Spanish side Valencia.
