SPAIN: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Arjen Robben and Gabriel Heinze are presented to the media and fans at Real Madrid

Real Madrid completed the signings of Arjen Robben from Chelsea and Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United on Thursday (August 23) after both players passed routine medical tests. Both players were given warm welcome by some 3,000 fans at the Bernabeu. Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze admitted he did not believe Real Madrid would be his final destination after trying to force his way out of Manchester United to join their Premiership rivals Liverpool. "It's a great team, I have been playing in that country, but I decided on Real Madrid because I think all players want to come to play with this team. I had that chance and considered it and I think I made the right decision, so I am very happy," the 29-year-old Argentine told a news conference after completing a 12-million euro (16 million U.S. dollars) move to the Spanish champions. Heinze, who made 83 appearances for United, had made it clear he wanted to leave Old Trafford at the end of last season but his attempt to force a move to Liverpool failed when a Premier League arbitration panel refused his request. Both Olympique Lyon and Real expressed an interest in signing the defender, but he said he had opted to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish side because of their name and dedication to get him on the team. Heinze, who played in Spain for Valladolid before moving to Paris St. Germain in 1999, has been signed by Real as a substitute for long-serving left back Roberto Carlos who left the club for Fenerbahce last season. Arjen Robben, a Netherlands winger who has signed a five-year contract, has reportedly cost Real Madrid 36 million euros (49 million U.S.dollars). He said he felt honoured to be one of the most expensive players ever to join Real Madrid and is determined to prove his worth after move from Chelsea to the Spanish champions. "Firstly, I know it is a lot of money they have paid, but it shows the interest they had in getting me here," the Dutch player told a news conference. Robben is the fourth most expensive signing in the club's history behind "Galacticos" Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo. He said that his injury problems and the club's loss of confidence in him were the reasons behind his decision to push for a move away. "If you compare it with the feeling you have with Chelsea and with Real Madrid, you have to make up your mind and you have to go where you think you'll be more happy. And that's what I did," Robben said. Robben and Heinze are expected to strengthen Madrid's left side, previously a weak point in the opinion of new Madrid coach Bernd Schuster. Both are in line to make their Madrid debuts on Saturday (August 25) when the team kicks off its Spanish league title defence against crosstown rival Atletico.

ITN Source | August 24, 2007

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