MADRID - Xabi Alonso expects to slot straight into the
role of 'conductor' at Real Madrid after completing his desired
move from Liverpool Wednesday.
The Spanish midfielder passed a medical and signed a five-year
contract with Real before training for the first time with his new
colleagues in the afternoon. He was later presented at a news
conference, where he predicted no great change from the role he
excelled at during his five years as a Liverpool player.
"I am going to try and do what I have always done in the centre
of midfield, to try and set up my colleagues, and to conduct the
play... That's what I know how to do," Alonso said.
"I took the decision to leave a while ago. The chance to join
Real Madrid came up and what an opportunity, and what better team
could I join?"
He could now join the club's tour to North America which leaves
Thursday. Earlier Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano spoke
to radio station Cadena Ser, and said Alonso's signing was their
last acquisition of the close season.
"We understood Xabi Alonso was an important player to complete
our squad, and it was worth Real Madrid fighting for him," Valdano
said.
"The club needed a shake up. Some very good players have come in
to strengthen every position and the fans are very excited.
"With this move we end the search for new players. We continue
searching for an exit for those who are surplus to
requirements."
Having spent around 250 million euros to lure eight players
including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema to the
Bernabeu, Real have until the end of August to cut Manuel
Pellegrini's squad back to 25 players.
Midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and forwards Klaas Jan Huntelaar
and Alvaro Negredo have been linked with interest from clubs in
Germany, Italy and England.
