I'll post here articles only from realmadrid.com where they confirm what players they bought so that we'll be sure that those players are at Real Madrid.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Cannavaro and Emerson to play for Real Madrid

Real Madrid C.F. informs that it has reached an agreement with Juventus to sign players Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson Ferreira Da Rosa. The agreement was reached on Wednesday afternoon in Turin, with Director of Sports, Pedja Mijatovic representing the Spanish Club.

The two internationals are still on vacation but will be presented at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the near future after signing their respective contracts.

Emerson

Capello's voice on the pitch

Emerson Ferreia, second in command on the Brazilian national team, will join Fabio Capello’s Real Madrid along with Cannavaro. Two key figures who bring quality football and lethal defending to the Whites.

Emerson Ferreira Da Rosa, born on 7 October 1973, is a demolishin man and another of Fabio Capello’s right hand men on the pitch. He played for Capello at Roma, Juventus, and now, Real Madrid. Although Emerson began his career as a defender, it was Capello who helped him adapt to his position as centre halfback. His virtues include good ball control, destructive power, and strong striking ability. His football reminds us of Dunga and Mauro Silva in their best form.
Brought up in the always-productive youth system of Gremio Porto Alegre, he made the leap to Europe in 1997, when he landed at Bayern Leverkusen. He played mostly as a defender in Brazil, but little by little he made his way to the midfield, where he became a star under the guidance of Fabio Capello. In Germany, he learned everything that physical, grueling football had to offer, and he continues to play in much the same way. He left Bayern in 2000 to join Roma and Capello, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Emerson soon earned a starting position on the Italian capital’s team, and he played a crucial role in winning the Scudetto in his first season with the Club. After four years and 136 official matches with Roma, Emerson followed Capello to Juventus, where he continued to be the team’s leader on the pitch.

Emerson is a physical player, much to the liking of the new Madridista coach. He was Juve’s leader, and now that he has left Italy to play for Madrid, he will look to earn that right with the Whites. It’s a complicated mission due to the traditional attacking mindset of Real Madrid. The Brazilian will contribute the necessary balance between the forwards and the defense by making sure each line remains in tact.

National team career
An international without question since 1998, Emerson brings the perfect balance to the green-and-yellow. He missed the 2002 World Cup due to injury and was one of the most outstanding players of the most recent World Cup in Germany. In 2005, Emerson and Brazil won the Confederations Cup. He won’t feel lonely in Madrid because several players already know him well, being that they are teammates on the Brazilian national team.

Career Trajectory
1994: Gremio Porto Alegre (18 League matches and 2 goals)
1995: Gremio Porto Alegre (11 League matches and 1 goal)
1996: Gremio Porto Alegre (19 League matches and 6 goals)
1997: Gremio Porto Alegre (22 League matches and 1 goal)
1997/98: Bayern Leverkusen (25 League matches and 1 goal)
1998/99: Bayern Leverkusen (28 League matches and 5 goals)
1999/00: Bayern Leverkusen (29 League matches and 6 goals; 5 Champions League matches; 1 UEFA Cup match)
2000/01: AS Roma (13 League matches and 3 goals; 1 UEFA Cup match)
2001/02: AS Roma (28 League matches and 5 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 2 goals)
2002/03: AS Roma (31 League matches and 2 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 1 goal)
2003/04: AS Roma (33 League matches and 3 goals; 8 UEFA Cup matches and 2 goals)
2004/05: Juventus (33 League matches and 2 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 1 goal)
2005/06: Juventus (34 League matches and 2 goals; 9 Champions League matches and 1 goal)

Honours
1 Confedetations Cup: Brazil (2005)
1 Scudetto: Roma (2000/01)

Emerson



Capello's voice on the pitch

Emerson Ferreia, second in command on the Brazilian national team, will join Fabio Capello’s Real Madrid along with Cannavaro. Two key figures who bring quality football and lethal defending to the Whites.

Emerson Ferreira Da Rosa, born on 7 October 1973, is a demolishin man and another of Fabio Capello’s right hand men on the pitch. He played for Capello at Roma, Juventus, and now, Real Madrid. Although Emerson began his career as a defender, it was Capello who helped him adapt to his position as centre halfback. His virtues include good ball control, destructive power, and strong striking ability. His football reminds us of Dunga and Mauro Silva in their best form.
Brought up in the always-productive youth system of Gremio Porto Alegre, he made the leap to Europe in 1997, when he landed at Bayern Leverkusen. He played mostly as a defender in Brazil, but little by little he made his way to the midfield, where he became a star under the guidance of Fabio Capello. In Germany, he learned everything that physical, grueling football had to offer, and he continues to play in much the same way. He left Bayern in 2000 to join Roma and Capello, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Emerson soon earned a starting position on the Italian capital’s team, and he played a crucial role in winning the Scudetto in his first season with the Club. After four years and 136 official matches with Roma, Emerson followed Capello to Juventus, where he continued to be the team’s leader on the pitch.

Emerson is a physical player, much to the liking of the new Madridista coach. He was Juve’s leader, and now that he has left Italy to play for Madrid, he will look to earn that right with the Whites. It’s a complicated mission due to the traditional attacking mindset of Real Madrid. The Brazilian will contribute the necessary balance between the forwards and the defense by making sure each line remains in tact.

National team career
An international without question since 1998, Emerson brings the perfect balance to the green-and-yellow. He missed the 2002 World Cup due to injury and was one of the most outstanding players of the most recent World Cup in Germany. In 2005, Emerson and Brazil won the Confederations Cup. He won’t feel lonely in Madrid because several players already know him well, being that they are teammates on the Brazilian national team.

Career Trajectory
1994: Gremio Porto Alegre (18 League matches and 2 goals)
1995: Gremio Porto Alegre (11 League matches and 1 goal)
1996: Gremio Porto Alegre (19 League matches and 6 goals)
1997: Gremio Porto Alegre (22 League matches and 1 goal)
1997/98: Bayern Leverkusen (25 League matches and 1 goal)
1998/99: Bayern Leverkusen (28 League matches and 5 goals)
1999/00: Bayern Leverkusen (29 League matches and 6 goals; 5 Champions League matches; 1 UEFA Cup match)
2000/01: AS Roma (13 League matches and 3 goals; 1 UEFA Cup match)
2001/02: AS Roma (28 League matches and 5 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 2 goals)
2002/03: AS Roma (31 League matches and 2 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 1 goal)
2003/04: AS Roma (33 League matches and 3 goals; 8 UEFA Cup matches and 2 goals)
2004/05: Juventus (33 League matches and 2 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 1 goal)
2005/06: Juventus (34 League matches and 2 goals; 9 Champions League matches and 1 goal)

Honours
1 Confedetations Cup: Brazil (2005)
1 Scudetto: Roma (2000/01)

Fabio Cannavaro



The best centre back in the world lands in Madrid

Recently crowned World Cup champion, Fabio Cannavaro is an experienced and skilled footballer player who has just set a new goal for himself: triumphing with Real Madrid. A veteran of the school of Fabio Capello, his boss over the last two seasons, the Italian centre back will be a stronghold in the White defense.

Fabio Cannavaro, born in Naples on 12 September 1973, is, without a doubt, one of the best centre backs in the world. The Italian makes up for his short stature with an incredible sense of anticipation, aggressiveness, power, and outstanding ability to jump, allowing him to win almost every one-on-one in the air. As he proved in the German World Cup, he is also fantastic with the football at his feet and an excellent leader.
Cannavaro made his professional debut in 1992 with the Club of his native city of Naples and his long time idol, Ciro Ferrara. However, his first experience on the Naples pitch was as a ballboy during the Diego Armando Maradona era, and as a member of the team’s youth squads. In fact, Cannavaro was a ballboy during the semifinal of the Italian World Cup of 1990, when Argentina defeated the host nation. He was only 16 years old then, but 16 years later he would be the player raising the World Cup trophy.

Although he debuted with Naples, Cannavaro spent most of his career playing for Parma. Between 1995 and 2002, he was a piece of one of the most memorable defenses in Italian football. Playing alongside Lilian Thuram and goalkeeper Gianluigi Bufón, he conquered one UEFA Cup, two Italian Cups, and one Supercup. After succeeding with Parma, Cannavaro signed with Inter Milan, where he played for two years. Although the team floundered, Fabio managed to shine.

His outstanding performances with Inter allowed him to make the leap to another Italian powerhouse, Juventus of Turin, where Fabio played for two years under the tutelage of coach Capello. Cannavaro was Capello’s right hand man on the pitch, perfectly leading the black-and-white defense. After Capello arrived in Madrid, the Italian national team skipper decided to follow in his footsteps to become the newest member of the Whites.

National team career
Cannavaro began to make a name for himself while playing in the youth teams, where he became the Under-21 European Champion in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, he participated in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where Raúl was playing for the Spanish national team. He debuted in 1997, in a 2-0 Italian victory over Northern Ireland. He has yet to be left off the national team ever since, and he reached the pinnacle of the football world in the 2006 World Cup, where he was the best player on the Italian team. It was precisely against France when Cannavaro played his 100th match with the ‘Azzurra’. Only Paolo Maldini (126) and Dino Zoff (112) have played more matches than Fabio Cannavaro.

Career Trajectory
1991/92: Naples
1992/93: Naples (2 League matches)
1993/94: Naples (27 League matches)
1994/95: Naples (29 League matches and 1 goal)
1995/96: Parma AC (29 League matches and 1 goal)
1996/97: Parma AC (27 League matches)
1997/98: Parma AC (27 League matches; 7 Champions League matches)
1998/99: Parma AC (30 League matches and 1 goal; 8 UEFA Cup matches)
1999/00: Parma AC (31 League matches and 2 goals; 1 Champions League match; 7 UEFA Cup matches)
2000/01: Parma AC (33 League matches; 3 UEFA Cup matches)
2001/02: Parma AC (31 League matches; 2 Champions League matches; 6 UEFA Cup matches)
2002/03: Inter Milan (28 League matches; 11 Champions League matches and 1 goal)
2003/04: Inter Milan (22 League matches and 2 goals; 6 Champions League matches; 3 UEFA Cup matches)
2004/05: Juventus (38 League matches and 2 goals; 9 Champions League matches and 1 goal)
2005/06: Juventus (36 League matches and 4 goals; 9 Champions League matches)

Honours
1 World Cup: Italy (2006)
1 European runner-up : Italy (2000)
1 UEFA Cup : Parma AC (1998/99)
2 Italian Cups : Parma AC (1998/99 and 2000/01)

Cannavaro presentation

"It's a huge honour to be here. Real Madrid is such an important Club in Europe and around the world"

On Tuesday, at about 12:30 pm CET, Fabio Cannavaro, accompanied by President Ramón Calderón, appeared at the Santiago Bernabéu's Presidential Balcony, where Calderón expressed great satisfaction while presenting his first signing, “a true number one.” The Italian centre back also expressed his “enthusiasm” after signing with the Whites, and he reiterated that his only objective is to win.

RAMÓN CALDERÓN:
“Good moring. Only 16 days have passed since he raised the World Cup trophy as captain of the Italian national team, and today, he has become the first player signed by this Board of Directors. His name is Fabio Cannavaro, and his career trajectory is a fine example for our young players. Only 16 years ago, Fabio was a ballboy during the World Cup in Italy, but his football honours since then have been extraordinary and almost impossible to equal. In recent years, he has played an average of 30 matches each season, and last year he played 45: 36 in the Serie A and 9 Champions League games.”
“Fabio being the first player presented has a special symbolic meaning, being that he is true number one with great leadership skills. We are convinced he will be a role model to help build a winning team. Upon arriving in Madrid, Cannavaro's first words demonstrated his pride, happiness, and satisfaction for joining such an admired Club.”

“Capello and Mijatovic's first objective was signing Fabio, and with our support, they worked hard and efficiently until we were finally able to have him join us. At Real Madrid, we are not only interested in developing athletes, but that our young players learn how to be men, because they have to be people more importantly than footballers. It has always been customary that our star players teach and contribute to the training and development of younger players, and Cannavaro's track record proves how instrumental he will be for players who are just starting out. Thank you for joining Real Madrid. Welcome.”

FABIO CANNAVARO:
“It's a huge honour to be here. Real Madrid is such an important Club in Europe and around the world. I have come to Madrid with lots of enthusiasm, and the fact that I am almost 33 years old is insignificant. I hope we can win lots of titles. My family and I would like to thank you all for the treatment we have received since arriving and for this incredible opportunity. Thank you.”

www.realmadrid.com

Emerson presentation

The Brazilian will be presented on Wednesday at 7 pm CET at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Emerson will be presented as the newest member of Real Madrid on Wednesday at 7 pm CET at the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The presentation will be open to the public, giving fans the opportunity to see Real Madrid's second signee of the season up close and in person. Emerson will dress in his new Real Madrid kit before taking the pitch for photo opportunities and to greet Madridistas in attendance.

www.realmadrid.com

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

The complete package

The third signing of the ‘Capello era’ is confirmed. Ruud Van Nistelrooy has signed with Real Madrid after five seasons of success with Manchester United and the Dutch national team. With hundreds of goals as proof of his striking ability, Van Nistelrooy will conform the best attacking line of European football next to Ronaldo and Raúl.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy, born in Oss, Holland, on 1 June 1976, is one of Europe's best forwards and a Champions League veteran. He's the complete package, combining effectiveness, power, and outstanding technique. Van Nistelrooy is one of the most feared attackers of the world of football, and he's virtually impossible to stop when he's in top form, confident, and going through a good patch. His goal average with the Dutch national team is one strike every two matches, having scored nearly 50 goals with the Orange. The average only rises with the Clubs he has played for, with 62 goals in 67 matches with PSV Eindhoven, and over 20 goals a season in four of the five campaigns with Manchester United.
Van Nistelrooy began his road to stardom in 1993 playing for FC Den Bosch, in Holland's second division, where he played as an attacking midfielder behind the team's two forwards. He remained with the team for four years before moving on to a first division team, Heerenveen. In his first season in Holland's top flight, Van Nistelrooy had a fantastic year, scoring 13 goals over 30 matches, catching the eye of PSV Eindhoven, who decided to buy the 22-year old forward.

He didn't disappoint in his first season with PSV, becoming the team's best player and the top scorer of the Dutch League. His 31 goals earned him the Silver Boot award and a spot on his national team. His amazing form continued the following year, with 29 League goals by mid-March. However, he then suffered a serious injury, the worst point of his professional career.

PSV had already reached an agreement to transfer him to Manchester United, but Van Nistelrooy suffered a knee injury in a friendly against Silkeborg. One month later, while recovering from the first injury, he tore the cruciate ligament of his right leg after falling down. In spite of his injury, he repeated as Holland's best player and Europe's Silver Boot winner.

Van Nistelrooy didn't play football for one year and many questioned his return to the game. However, his goal scoring capacity with Manchester United silenced all doubts. His two strikes in his English debut against Fulham were just the beginning. He has scored dozens of goals for the Red Devils ever since, both in the Premiership and in the Champions League, a competition in which he has been named Best Player on two occasions and always placed among the top scorers every year.

His highest achievement in England came during the 2002/03 season when Manchester United won the Premiership. The following year, his team won the English Cup, the oldest trophy in European football. Van Nistelrooy’s two goals in the final against Millwall decided the match. The Dutch star has been Manchester United’s attacking cornerstone for years.

At the age of 22, on 18 November 1998, Van Nistelrooy made his debut with the Dutch national team drawing against Germany one goal a piece. He scored his first goal with the Orange against Morocco. Due to his serious injury, Van Nistelrooy was unable to play in the 2000 European Cup co-hosted by his native country, nor did he play the 2002 World Cup as the Netherlands didn't even qualify. He did participate, however, in the 2004 European Cup in Portugal, where the Dutch team reached the semi-finals. The Orange only qualified for the competition thanks to the hat-trick of ‘Van The Man’ against Scotland in the play-offs. His team reached the Round of 16 of the 2006 German World Cup, but Holland was eliminated yet again by Portugal.

Now, in 2006, Van Nistelrooy joins Real Madrid, a team with some of the most dangerous fire power in Europe. Ruud will join players like Ronaldo and Raúl to form one of the most devastating attacks on the old continent.

Career Trajectory & Stats

1993/94: FC Den Bosch (2 matches)
1994/95: FC Den Bosch (15 League matches and 3 goals)
1995/96: FC Den Bosch (21 League matches and 2 goals)
1996/97: FC Den Bosch (31 League matches and 12 goals)
1997/98: Heerenveen (31 League matches and 13 goals)
1998/99: PSV Eindhoven (34 League matches and 31 goals; 7 Champions League matches and 6 goals)
1999/00: PSV Eindhoven (23 League matches and 29 goals; 8 Champions League matches and 3 goals)
2000/01: PSV Eindhoven (10 League matches and 2 goals)
2001/02: Manchester United (32 League matches and 23 goals; 14 Champions League matches and 10 goals)
2002/03: Manchester United (34 League matches and 25 goals; 11 Champions League matches and 14 goals)
2003/04: Manchester United (32 League matches and 20 goals; 7 Champions League matches and 4 goals)
2004/05: Manchester United (17 League matches and 6 goals; 7 Champions League matches and 8 goals)
2005/06: Manchester United (35 League matches and 21 goals; 8 Champions League matches and 2 goals)

Honours

1 Premier League: Manchester United (2002/03)
1 Dutch League: PSV Eindhoven (2000/01)
1 English Cup: Manchester United (2003/04)
Two-time Champions League Best Player Award: Manchester United (2002 and 2005)
Premier League Best Player Award: Manchester United (2004)

His first few words

To Realmadrid.com: "When Real Madrid comes for you, your mind is already made up"



Ruud Van Nistelrroy arrived to the Hotel Mirasierra Suites, where he gave an exclusive interview to Realmadrid.com and Realmadrid TV. He expressed the immense joy he feels for being in Madrid in these terms, “It is great to be here. I am very happy to sign for the best Club in the world and want to score many goals.” His dream has finally come true: to wear the white Real Madrid jersey.

The Dutch striker was euphoric upon landing in Madrid knowing he would soon be joining the Whites. ”It's great to be here. It's a very special feeling. I am thrilled for my presentation and to then be traveling to Austria. Signing for Real Madrid is a dream I had as a football player and it has come true. When Real Madrid comes for you, there's nothing to think about because you know it's the number one club in the whole world.”

Fully conscious of the importance of the team he is joining, Ruud said, “I am mesmerised by the history and their players, because the people who have played here are so incredible.” He also spoke of the close friendhsip he and his former Manchester United teammate share. “I miss Beckham a lot. I was very sad to see him leave ManU because of who he is as a human being and the connection we had inside the pitch. The times we shared were wonderful and I hope to rekindle the feeling and relive the results in Madrid," pointed out the attacker.

He also had words of praise for the other striker he will be playing with at Real. “I am dying to play with Ronaldo. He's fantastic. His scoring numbers speak a thousand words,” said the Dutchman. And, of course, for his new coach, of whom he said, “ I really wanted to have him as a coach. He insisted a lot on signing me when I was playing for PSV. I have been following him allthese years and now I am thankful to be able to work side by side with him.”

The open-door presentation will take place this evening at 7 pm at the Santiago Bernabéu, allowing all the fans who wish to meet the new signing first hand to do so.

Mahamadou Diarra



The all-terrain machine

Real Madrid’s midfield can breathe a breath of fresh air with the signing of Mahamadou Diarra. Nearly perfect physique-wise, the 25-year-old, Mali-born midfielder’s best quality is his ability to read his opponent’s next move and cut off any possible threat in the centre of the pitch. Notwithstanding, his long stride allows him to ocassionally commit himself to the attack, and his scoring numbers are quite good for a midfielder. His personal best of six goals in one season took place in 2004/05.

Mahamadou Diarra was born in Bamako, Mali on 18 May 1981. The six foot, 168 pound midfielder began his football career in the CSK Bamako youth system. After working his way up, he finally hit the big time in 1998 when he was called to play for the first team in the First Division. European football opened its doors soon thereafter.

Move to Europe

OFI Crete was the first European team to give Diarra a try at the start of 1998/99 season. He made a great impression and signed his first professional contract. But, it was hard for the Mali native to shine in the small Cyprus League, and by the end of his first season, he signed with Holland’s SBV Vitesse Arnhem. Despite having difficulty adjusting to Dutch football, the Vitesse coach, and former Barcelona star, Ronald Koeman took Diarra under his wing and helped him improve his technical game. Thanks to Diarra’s strength, the usually mediocre team finished, sixth and fifth in the Dutch League in the two following seasons (2000/01 and 2001/02).

While still playing in Holland in 2001, Diarra signed with France's Olympique Lyonnais for 3.8 million euros. His arrival coincided with Lyon’s explosion onto the French football scene, and the team won four consecutive League titles and started making a name for themselves in Europe by defeating heavyweights including Real Madrid. Diarra renewed his contract with Olympique Lyonnais throughout the 2009 season, but Real Madrid had other plans. Mahamadou Diarra will now show off his physical strength and more than noticeable technique at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

International experience

Diarra began catching the eye of European scouts in 1999, when he helped lead Mali to third place in the Under-16 World Cup. Soon thereafter, he received the nod from the Mali national team, where he continued to stand out. Mali finished fourth in the 2002 African Cup that they hosted, and Diarra was selected as the Best Young Player. Diarra has been a permanent fixture in Mali’s starting 11 ever since, despite the country’s absence from most prominent international competitions.

Career Trajectory:

1998/99: OFI Crete (21 League matches and 2 goals)
1999/00: Vitesse Arnhem (16 League matches and 2 goals)
2000/01: Vitesse Arnhem (29 League matches and 4 goals)
2001/02: Vitesse Arnhem (24 League matches and 3 goals)
2002/03: Olympique Lyonnais (28 League matches and 1 goal; 5 Champions League matches; 2 UEFA Cup matches)
2003/04: Olympique Lyonnais (27 League matches and 6 goals; 10 Champions League matches)
2004/05: Olympique Lyonnais (33 League matches and 2 goals; 9 Champions League matches and 2 goals)
2005/06: Olympique Lyonnais (31 League matches and 3 goals; 9 Champions League matches and 2 goals)

Honours:

4 Championnats : Olympique Lyonnais (2003/06)
2 French Cups: Olympique Lyonnais (2003 and 2005)

www.realmadrid.com

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Diarra, newest Real Madrid addition

Real Madrid would like to announce the agreement reached with Olympique Lyonnais and Mahamadou Diarra for the transfer of the player to Madrid for the next five seasons. Diarra will have his medical exam and be officially presented to the media in the upcoming days.

Capello delighted with Diarra

"Diarra and Emerson will help stabilize our midfield"

In an interview with Spanish television channel La Sexta, Fabio Capello expressed how happy he is that Mahamadou Diarra will finally be playing for Real Madrid. The Italian coach also analysed Real Madrid's other summer signings.

“Diarra is an important piece of the Real Madrid puzzle, primarily because he's only 25 years old,” stated Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello, who is very excited that Diarra will finally be playing at the White Coliseum. With the arrival of the Mali international, the Italian boss has put the finishing touches on a revamped midfield. “Emerson and Diarra are very important midfielders. Both are great players and have great personalities. They were two much-needed pieces and they will help us stabilize our midfield,” highlighted Capello.
Capello also commented on how pleased he is with the Club's other summer signings, saying, “They are all great players, they have lots of experience, fantastic CV's, and they can all contribute to the team.”

Finally, the Madridista coach evaluated the squad as a whole, declaring, "I have a good team. I have experimented with the squad and changed some players around to see how they react. I really believe we'll be a competitve team."

HE IS OURS!!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!!!

José Antonio Reyes

A machete on the left wing

José Antonio Reyes has become Real Madrid's fifth reinforcement for the 2006/07 season with just 22 years of age. The Sevillian player leaves Arsenal to join Real Madrid in order to supply the Whites with his vertical game on the left wing. Reyes made his Spanish League debut when he was just 16 years old, and arrives at Real Madrid as a mature player who has triumphed both in Sevilla -the Club that saw him grow as a football player- and Arsenal. He's a luxury reinforcement for Fabio Capello's squad.

José Antonio Reyes was born in Utrera, Seville, on September 1 1983. He is the son of Francisco and Mari Reyes and has a brother named Jesús. José Antonio, the youngest member of the family, started to dwell in the football world at an early age. He joined Sevilla FC in 1994, for which he played in the children categories and Seville B prior to joining the first team. His spectacular progression allowed him to skip the junior categories.
At only 16 years of age, Reyes made his debut in the First Division against Zaragoza in La Romareda. That same year, he was called up by the Spanish Under-16 national team -the first time he was ever called up by a Spanish national team. While playing with Sevilla's first team, Reyes carried on playing for Sevilla B, forming an attacking partnership with Antoñito, and helping them get promoted to Second Division B.

Professional record
Seville made him a professional player in no time. On August 2001, he signed a contract to end in 2008 with the Club that formed him as a footballer. The cancellation clause on his contratc was of 36 millon euros. Soon after, on August 26, he maked his debut as a starter in First Division in a match agaisnt Barcelona. Joaquín Caparrós, Sevilla's manager and a man with strong confidence in the Club's youth system, gave him the oportunity of making his debut. Reyes scored his first goal on September 16 in a match against Español in Montjuic. During the 2001/02 season he played 29 games and netted eight goals.

While at Sevilla, Reyes was being promoted within the Spanish national team system. During that season, he played with both the Under-19 and Under-21 national teams, winning the European Championship in the summer of 2002 with the former. This was his first important title. His attacking partner in the Under-19 Spanish team was Fernando Torres. Finally, the inevitable happened, and the first Spanish national team drafted him on August 19 2003. On his birthday, September 1, he was called up to make his debut with Spain in a friendly against Portugal. His debut in an official match was against Ukraine on September 10 2003. One month later, he scored his first two Spanish goals in a 4-0 match against Armenia.

Destination: England
His progress had no limits, and made him the object of desire of the most important European clubs. He finally signed a contract with Arsenal at the start of the 2003/04 season -Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger is a man who relies considerably on young football talent. Reyes won the Premiership -his first important club title- in his first year in England. He also won the Community Shield while playing for the Gunners -surpassing Manchester United-, prior to playing his first World Cup with Spain in Germany 2006.

Real Madrid now have a football player who has gradually been moving his position further back, abandoning his initial position as a forward in order to become one of the world's most promising left midfielders. He is also capable of scoring many goals, as was evidenced during his years at Sevilla and Arsenal. He is a luxury reinforcement for Real Madrid's squad this season.
Welcome, José Antonio.

CAREER

1994/01: Sevilla FC (youth system categories)
2001/03: Sevilla FC
2003/06: Arsenal

TRACK RECORD

1 Premier League: Arsenal (2003/04)
1 Community Shield: Arsenal (2003/04)
1 Under-19 European Championship: Spain (2002)

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

José Antonio Reyes, new Real Madrid player

Real Madrid FC and Arsenal reached an agreement on Thursday evening concerning the loan swap of players Julio Baptista and José Antonio Reyes for the 2006/07 season. Temporary transfers could become permanent at the end of the current season.

Reyes presentation

Friday @ 1 pm CET at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid President, Ramón Calderón will present José Antonio Reyes as Real Madrid's newest player on Friday at 1 pm CET at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Reyes will become the fifth new player to don the white shirt this season, following in the footsteps of Cannavaro, Emerson, Van Nistelrooy, and Diarra.

A dream come true

Reyes dons the Madridista kit for the first time

He had to wait several days, but José Antonio Reyes finally did it. The last Real Madrid summer signing donned his new kit and took to the Santiago Bernabéu turf for the first time, while more than 2,000 supporters gathered in the stands to cheer him on.



José Antonio Reyes was signed on 31 August, but he had to wait eight days before having the chance to put on his new kit. Shortly after being presented to the press, the Spanish midfielder proudly held up his new shirt, but it wasn't until later that he actually got to wear it in front of 2,000 fans who gathered at the Stadium. Reyes is the fifth signing, but first Spanish player, of the Ramón Calderón era at Real Madrid.

Radiant in white, Reyes posed for the media with a proud smile across his face. While standing on one of the wings that he will be running on throughout the season, he never stopped greeting all the Madridistas who filled the stands. After kicking two footballs into the bleachers, he walked to the center of the pitch for the official photo session with Ramón Calderón and various Board members.
After completing his first training session as a Madridista, Reyes told Realmadrid.com and Realmadrid TV, “I am ecstatic to take the pitch at the Bernabéu.” He can say he has fulfilled his dream. All that is missing now are all the Real Madrid supporters who are looking forward to watching his electric moves along the left wing. Reyes is ready to play whenever Fabio Capello calls on him. He may have his first chance against Levante on Sunday, but we have to wait until tomorrow's teamsheet is posted to find out.

www.realmadrid.com

Gonzalo Higuaín

The best young forward in the world



The most promising young forward in international football will soon be playing at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. “Pipita” Higuaín, unquetionable starting centre forward for River Plate, is Real Madrid's second signing during the winter transfer window after the Brazilian, Marcelo, who joined the Club in November.

Huguaín was born on 10 December 1987 in Brest, France, where his father played after making the leap to Europe following stints with Boca Juniors and River Plate in Argentina. His father is Pipa Jorge Nicolás Higuaín and his brother Federico also plays football for River. Hence, his nickname Pipita. Because he is French, he does not take up a spot as a foreigner on the team.

The recently-turned 19-year old footballer was honoured as the ‘Sports Revelation of the Year’ because of his scoring capacity for River Plate in the Apertura 2006 tournament, "for his freshness on the pitch, and because of his undying humility." He also made an important career move this year when he turned down the chance to play for Doménech and the French national team.

Higuaín debuted in Argentina's First Division on 30 May 2005 in a 2-1 River loss to Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata, coached by Leonardo Astrada. He took the pitch in the second half and played alongside his brother Federico. With the arrival of Daniel Pasarella in 2006, Higuaín was given many opportunities to play and used them to confirm his talent. Most notable was his two-goal performance against Corinthians in the 2006 Copa Libertadores, which punched River's ticket for the quarterfinals.

"Pipita" is known for his speed in the last third of the pitch, his great striking ablity, and his passing precision. Quick, elegant, and his nack for decision-making make Higuaín the type of forward that is in fashion in international football. Being just 19-years old, he has a lot of room for improvement. On a team comprised of players like Ronaldo, Raúl and Van Nistelrooy, the Argentinian will learn everything he needs to know to become a first class superstar.

Marcelo: Brazil's hidden jewel

Meet Real Madrid's newest signing and Roberto Carlos' "heir apparent"



He's 18 years old and in Brazil he's already considered the heir apparent to Roberto Carlos. In fact, he has already played with, and scored for, the Brazilian national team. Marcelo Vieira Da Silva Júnior, Marcelo, is ready to make the jump to European football, and Real Madrid consider him a valuable addition to the team during the winter transfer window.

Marcelo Vieira Da Silva Júnior, otherwise known as Marcelo, has been defined as an authentic “jewel” of always prolific Brazilian football, a breeding ground of players that has been directly related to Real Madrid over several years. He began playing futsal when he was nine, and by the age of 13 was already a youth team player for Fluminense, the Club he still plays for. Coming from a humble background, Marcelo came close to quitting the Fluminense football school because his parents couldn't afford the bus ride that would take him to Flu's facilities. Thankfully, the Club covered the cost and made sure the youth team jewel of the tricolor team didn't slip through their fingers. Once a fixture on the First Team, it was only a a matter of time before he made the leap to the Brazilian national team
-where the ‘3’ position has been left vacant since Roberto Carlos left- followed shortly thereafter by Europe.

Several Clubs were interested in signing Marcelo, but two in particular stand out for their keen interest in young promises of the football world: Olympique Lyonnais -Real Madrid's opponent in the Champions League- and Sevilla. His name has also been linked to two Italian powerhouses, Juventus and Roma. However, when all was said and done, it was Real Madrid who landed the future star. Marcelo, the young pearl of Brazilian football, will join Real Madrid and fellow countrymen Roberto, Ronaldo, Robinho, and Emerson in January.

AN ATTACK-MINDED LEFT BACK
Those close to him assure that Marcelo is a left fullback -although he began playing in the midfield, his coaches moved him back in order to take advantage of his speed along the flank- with extraordinary attacking capability, a trait he shares with Roberto Carlos, the player Marcelo has set as an example in his short but successful football career. Furthermore, despite his youth, he is a very mature player used to dealing with a lot of pressure -this year, his Fluminense team came close to being relegated- and, therefore, we can safely assume that he can handle the responsibility of playing for Real Madrid. By signing Marcelo, Real Madrid have landed one of the top new talents of the international football world with the winter transfer window right around the corner.

In his Brazilian squad debut a matter of weeks ago against Wales, he already gave glimpses of the virtues he possesses as a player. Marcelo opened the scoring with a powerful crossed shot from outside the box, rounding off a perfect game in which he was strong in defence, fast, tecnically sound, and most of all, driven to be a part of the attacking game down the flank, as all the great Brazilian wingers have been. His arrival to the Seleçao coincides with the rejuvenation of the Brazilian national team coached by Dunga. Marcelo is already a permanent fixture.

“I AM SHY, BUT ALL THAT CHANGES ON THE PITCH”
Marcelo describes himself as a “shy guy” and a “good person,” but he claims that all that changes once he is on the field of play. A Ronaldo and Emerson admirer, he said that Robinho has frequently told him great things about Real Madrid. The young Brazilian footballer said the following in an interview published by Spanish sports daily Marca a couple of days ago:

“A good kid”
“I am comfortable playing football, I love having the ball at my feet, and I have fun playing. Those who know me say I'm a good kid, and I consider myself a humble person who works hard to give everything back to his parents. I already bought a car for my father, but it's an average car, neither sporty nor luxurious.”

“I admire Ronaldo and Emerson”
“I like Ronaldinho. He has incredible skills. But I also admire Ronaldo. He's another one of my idols. I admire the strength he had to recover from such a serious injury to return to being the great player he is. I also look up to Emerson. I know he's been criticised in Spain, but he's going to prove valuable to the team.”

“Robinho and I have talked about Madrid”
“Robinho has told me everything I know about Real Madrid. We spoke when we were with the Brazilian squad and he told me what Real Madrid is like. He's a good friend and a great football player. I don't know Roberto Carlos, but I can't wait to meet him. He's still the best left fullback in the world and there's a lot to learn from him.”

“I began by playing futsal”
“I started playing futsal when I was nine. I think it's one of the keys to having good technique. I signed with Fluminense when I was 13 and every coach played me as a midfielder. I am a fast player, so they moved me into defence so I could attack along the wing.”

PLAYER PROFILE:
NAME: Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior
POSITION: Left fullback
PLACE OF BIRTH: Rio de Janeiro
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/05/88
HEIGHT: 1m74
WEIGHT: 73 kg
PREVIOUS CLUB: Fluminense
MATCHES: 38
GOALS: 6

Fernando Gago

Redondo's heir apparent lands at the Santiago Bernabéu



Fernando Gago, the best number ‘5’ Argentina has to offer and one of the most complete footballers of the world will sign for Real Madrid with the goal of becoming the best player of his age throughout the football world. This signing, along with that of Marcelo and Higuaín, is part of the promised project to build a team with a promising future.

Fernando Rubén Gago was born on 10 April 1986 in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires. He began his career at Parque, a modest Club where former Madridistas like Fernando Redondo and Esteban Cambiasso, two players with similar styles to Gago, got their start. Villarreal's Juan Román Riquelme was also a product of Parque CF.

His next stop was the youth categories of Boca Juniors, where his entire professional career was developed. Like many Argentinian players, Gago has a nickname. They have called him “Pintita”, or “Drawer”, since he was a young boy, as his coach would scold him by shouting “stop drawing and run!” He made his First Division debut with Boca on 5 December 2004, which was a 1-0 win over Quilmes. But it was during the 2005 season that his career took off and made him the star he is today.

Gago is a very dynamic footballer who bases his play on ball movement. His style resembles that of Guardiola because of his great capacity to distribute the game and because his mental prowess tends to surpass his strength. Gago became a Boca fixture shortly after making his debut, and all balls had to go through him. He also has the ability to reach the opponent's box, perhaps even moreso than Redondo, who he reminds us of by his vision, his way of covering ground, and his ball protection. Gago also knows how to take advantage of his elbows and is a player who never hides. He recovers well and distributes even better.

Fernando Gago was an Under-21 international and is on course to play for Argentina's national team. His greatest triumph so far was winning the World Youth Championship in Holland in 2005 with Argentina. Other members of the team included Oscar Ustari, Lionel Messí, and Sergio Agüero.

They say…
Maradona: “He's one of the best wingers in the world and should never be left off the national team.”
Fernando Redondo: “Gago is the type of player I would always want on my team. He has all the characterstics of my type of midfielder. He goes all out, keeps his head held high, and is great at reading the game.”
Jorge Valdano: “He's a footballer taylormade to the Club. He thinks fast and well, and will always make sure the ball gets to where it's supposed to. Gago is exactly what Real Madrid need at the moment.”
Vicente Del Bosque: “Signing Gago is the right call. He's a good player.”

Track record
Apertura 2005 champion with Boca Juniors
Clausura 2006 champion with Boca Juniors
South American Cup 2005 champion with Boca Juniors
South American Cup Winner's Cup 2004 and 2005 with Boca Juniors
FIFA's World Youth Championship 2005 with Argentina