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Fans hold up posters of Brazilian player Kaka before his official presentation as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on June 30, 2009 in Madrid, Spain. [CFP] |
New Real Madrid signing Kaka was given a big welcome as he was officially presented to the press and the supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old, who has been awarded the Golden Boot in the Confederations cup, was received by over 30,000 expectant fans.
He had arrived in Spain earlier in the day and passed his club medical with no problems.
"It is our obligation to give the supporters the best possible team that we can and we are working on doing that," said club President Florentino Perez in his speech.
"Today we give Kaka a welcome to his new home. Thank you for choosing Real Madrid as your new destination. He always knew he wanted to play in the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Kaka is an icon of our time because he has been able to captivate all of the fans with his behavior on the pitch and the example he sets," added Perez.
Meanwhile Kaka thanked the thousands of fans who had turned out in the evening.
"Today is a special day for me. I am very happy that this new period of my career is at Real Madrid. I want to be able to write my name in the history of the club," said the Brazilian.
The presentation also cleared out any doubts about which shirt number Kaka will wear next season. He will carry the number 8 shirt on his back.
(Xinhua News Agency July1, 2009)