Spanish and European giants Real Madrid have finalised the signing of the Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart from German Bundesliga club Hamburger SV.

The former [[Ajax Amsterdam] medio has bid farewell to his Hamburg teammates and has told in a press conference that he is now looking forward to a new chapter in his life which he shall begin at Real Madrid from this week.

Real Madrid have decided to pay Hamburger SV 9 million pounds and shall sign Van der Vaart on a five-year contract.

Van der Vaart had this to say in his farewell speech:

"Last night (Sunday) everything came together, and I am now moving to Real Madrid.

"As everybody might know I have always wanted to move to Spain, because I have a strong bond with that country. Now I'm going to play for Real Madrid… it's a dream comes true!

"Looking back at the last couple of years, I'm extremely happy that I've had the chance to experience playing for HSV. No club, and no set of fans will treat you with more hospitality than they do! Thanks very much for that - Sylvie and I will never forget you!

"Tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) I will be presented at Real Madrid. This will be the start of a new chapter in my life! I will do everything to help the team and the club to win trophies!"