Real Madrid

Rafael van der Vaart's last stop on the day of his official unveiling was the Santiago Bernabéu media room, where the midfielder held his first press conference as a Madridista.

Have you managed to speak to Schuster or any of your fellow Dutchman on the squad?
I have spent a lot of time speaking to my compatriots, but mostly Sneijder. He has nothing but good words about Real Madrid. I have yet to speak to Schuster. We have only shaken hands, but I have a really good feeling.

What have the last 72 hours been like for you?
It has all be so exciting, especially because half of my family is Spanish. This is one of Europe's best clubs and I am very happy and proud to be here.

Do you think you and Guti are compatible?
Guti is a fantastic player, but so is everyone else who plays for Real Madrid. I don't think we'll have any problems playing together. The coach will decide what position each of us will play, but Guti is one of the best players on the squad.

Yesterday was a great day in that you learned you would be signed by Real Madrid, but it was marred by the fact that your friend Sneijder is injured.
It was a bit difficult. Sneijder was saddened due to his injury and I was happy about being signed. Thankfully the injury isn't as severe as originally thought and we are all happy. I congratulated him.

What does Real Madrid mean to you? Why Real Madrid and not a different club?
Things were very different last year. Valencia wanted me and it's a great club, but Real Madrid were keen on signing me this season and here I am, about to play for the best club in the world.

Where on the pitch do you think you perform best?
I can play in the centre of the midfield, on the right, on the left, or even as an attacking midfielder just behind the forwards. There are several options.

Would you like to have Cristiano Ronaldo as a teammate? 
I cannot say much in that regard, although Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world.

Zidane was one of your idols, but are you familiar with any other historic Real Madrid players? 
Zidane was one of my favorite players, but so was Figo. Madrid have always had good players and they have all been role models.

Is winning the Champions League a possibility this year?
Of course it is. It's a very important objective for the club and for me. We are going to do the impossible to win it.