Dean Huijsen mentioned he needed to be at Actual Madrid “from day one” as he was introduced because the membership’s first summer time signing on Tuesday, saying that “since Madrid referred to as me, I did not have eyes for every other group.”
Madrid introduced the signing of defender Huijsen, 20, final month on a five-year contract, after the membership activated the Spain worldwide’s £50 million ($67.5m) launch clause at AFC Bournemouth.
Huijsen starred within the Premier League final season, main him to make his Spain debut in March, and sources instructed ESPN that Madrid beat curiosity from a variety of high European golf equipment to signal the centre-back.
On Tuesday, Huijsen formally signed his contract at Madrid, and posed together with his new No. 24 shirt. He was then launched by membership president Florentino Pérez, earlier than taking questions from the media.
“I needed to be right here from day one,” Huijsen mentioned in a brief speech. “Since [Real] Madrid referred to as me, I did not have eyes for every other group … I arrive at the most effective membership on the planet. I am right here to provide all the things, work arduous, and maintain being humble. Let’s hope we will win a number of trophies collectively, beginning with the Membership World Cup. Madrid is the membership of my life.”
Pérez referred to as Huijsen “a contemporary centre-back, prepared for the current and the long run” and “one of many nice gamers to emerge in soccer lately,” including that “a number of massive golf equipment needed to signal you.”
Huijsen was introduced per week after new coach Xabi Alonso, with one other new signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold, anticipated to be launched later this week.
The defender mentioned he had already spoken with Alonso about his function within the group.
“We have spoken a bit,” Huijsen mentioned. “We spoke about what he expects of me… I believe I slot in effectively with Xabi’s soccer. I am going to attempt to contribute to the group. I believe I’ve proven that I am prepared.”
Huijsen has described former Madrid and Spain captain Sergio Ramos as his “idol” though he mentioned he wasn’t eager about at some point carrying Ramos’ quantity 4 shirt.
“[Ramos] despatched me a message the day [the transfer] was made official,” Huijsen mentioned. “He is my greatest idol, the most effective centre-back in historical past.”
Madrid fly to the USA — the place they are going to be primarily based in Palm Seashore, Florida — this weekend to participate within the Membership World Cup, taking part in Al Hilal of their opening sport in Miami on June 18.
Alonso, who changed Carlo Ancelotti, is tasked with enhancing a Madrid group which completed second in LaLiga final season and was eradicated within the Champions League quarterfinals, shedding all 4 of the marketing campaign’s Clásicos to Barcelona.