Ronaldo vows to prove his price

• Source: Global Times
• [23:19 July 07 2009]
• Comments

Real’s new player Cristiano Ronaldo waves to supporters during his official presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium today. Photo: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo said today he had fulfilled a “childhood dream” as he was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player before a record-setting capacity of nearly 80,000 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

“I am very happy to be here,” the 24-year-old Portuguese told the cheering fans in the Spanish capital after completing his long-desired move from Manchester United.

“For me it is the realization 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 had smashed the previous record for attendance at the unveiling of a footballer set in July of 1984 when Diego Maradona was presented at Naples after signing from Barcelona before 75,000 people.

Real acquired the player from Manchester last month on a six-year deal worth $131 million and the Portuguese superstar was reportedly to be paid $18 million each season, making him the most expensive player in the world.

Ronaldo said he was “proud” to be the world’s best paid footballer and would do all he could to help the team win the Champions League.

“I want to prove that they paid the right price for me,” the 2008 FIFA world player-of-the-year told the press.

“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 last won the Champions League in 2002.

Ronaldo wore the black-and-white No.9 jersey once sported by club legend Alfredo di Stefano during his unveiling.

While Ronaldo wanted to keep the No.7 which he used during his six years at Manchester, that number was already taken by Real captain Raul.

“Nine is a mythical number at the club. The numbers don’t play. It is me who is going to play and I am going to play well,” he said.

Ronaldo arrived in Madrid on a private flight from his native Portugal where he was on holiday to undergo medical tests before he was unveiled.

The head of Real’s medical services, Carlos Diez, said Ronaldo was “in perfect condition” after the player underwent medical tests.

“His cardiac and lung capacity is extraordinary,” he added.

Fans, many equipped with food and drinks to ease a lengthy wait, starting gathering at the stadium hours before the official presentation, which lasted only 30 minutes.

Real President Florentino Perez praised Ronaldo’s “professionalism and talent” who is capable of taking the club to “the peak of world football”.

Ronaldo will team up with Brazilian playmaker Kaka, the 2007 FIFA world player, who signed with Real for 65 million euro ($91 million) from AC Milan in early June.

Real’s other signings is French striker Karim Benzema from Lyon and defender Raul Albiol, who joined from Spanish side Valencia.

(Agencies)