In was what the first official signing at the Santiago Bernabéu this summer, Rafael van der Vaart inked a five-year deal with Real Madrid. The Dutchman was received by Ramón Calderón, Alfredo di Stéfano, Pedja Mijatovic, and several Board members.

Accompanied by family
Rafael van de Vaart was accompanied by his wife and two-year old son Damián, who received a Real Madrid shirt from Ramón Calderón. Also present were his parents and maternal grandparents, native residents of Chiclana, Cadiz in southern Spain.

Standing alongside Ramón Calderón and Alfredo Di Stéfano, the player inked the five-year deal with the club. He then thanked the President for making his dream of playing for Real Madrid a reality. Calderón presented Van der Vaart with the pen used to sign the contract and a silver replica of the Santiago Bernabéu before the latter departed for the official presentation in front of the media and fans.