Ronaldo's dream becomes reality

SOCCER NEWS ROUND-UP:CRISTIANO RONALDO fulfilled a "childhood dream" last night as he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The Portuguese forward, who has been handed the number nine jersey, was greeted by Alfredo di Stefano – considered the greatest player to have worn that particular shirt – Eusebio and Florentino Perez, the club president whose re-election prompted Ronaldo’s €93 million signing from Manchester United.

“I am just so happy to be here,” he said to a rapturous reception from the gathered thousands.

“For me, I have made my childhood dream a reality, which was nothing less than playing for Real Madrid.

“I didn’t expect a jam-packed stadium – this is truly impressive.”

Perez claimed last night’s events “might not have a precedent”.

“We are very satisfied to know that you made the firm decision to play for Real Madrid,” Perez said. He told Ronaldo what to expect from his new adoring fans, adding: “They will ask of you the very best, but will also give you their all.”

Ronaldo is the third player to be unveiled by Madrid since Perez returned to the presidency at the start of June, following in the footsteps of Kaka and Raul Albiol.

Madrid have also agreed a deal with Lyon for their striker Karim Benzema for an initial fee of €35m, a transfer that takes the Spanish giants’ summer spending close to the €230m mark.

Last night’s attendance at the Bernabeu swamped the estimated 55,000 that watched Kaka’s unveiling last Tuesday, and is believed to be the biggest turn-out for a presentation since a reported 75,000 saw the arrival of Diego Maradona at Napoli from Barcelona in 1984.

Earlier yesterday Ronaldo, the reigning Fifa World Player of the Year, successfully completed his medical with Madrid after landing in the Spanish capital just after midday.

Carlos Diez, Real Madrid’s medical chief, told www.realmadrid.com: “(Ronaldo) is in perfect condition and very eager to start the season as soon as possible. He has an extraordinary cardiac and lung capacity. Now we will be able to start working using an individual plan to improve his performance.”