/world sport
MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has completed a reported euro 13 million ($20.3 million) move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Dutch international midfield player Rafael van der Vaart says that joining Real Madrid is a dream come true.
"Last night everything came together, and I am now moving to Real Madrid," Hamburg captain Van der Vaart confirmed on his Web site.
"As everybody might know I have always wanted to move to Spain, because I have a strong bond with that country. Now I'm going to play for Real Madrid. It's a dream comes true!"
The 25-year-old, whose mother is Spanish, said he would be presented by Madrid on Tuesday, describing the transfer as 'the start of a new chapter" in his life.
Hamburg confirmed the transfer in a statement on their Web site. "Rafael developed into a top European player at HSV," Hamburg sports director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said. "We wish him all the best for the future."
The Bundesliga club are believed to have rejected previous lower offers for van der Vaart, with coach Martin Jol expressing hope that the player would not be allowed to leave.
However, as a prelude to a move, Van der Vaart was left out of Hamburg's line-up for the preseason Emirates Cup matches against Madrid and Juventus in London at the weekend.
If confirmed, Van der Vaart would be Madrid's fifth Dutch player, the others being Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe.
He would be Madrid's second signing since they won the Spanish title for a record 31st time last season, following Racing Santander's Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay.
In addition, midfielder Ruben de la Red, who helped Spain win the European Championship in June, and defensive midfielder Javi Garcia have rejoined after a season on loan with Getafe and Osasuna respectively.
Madrid have also been repeatedly linked with a record-breaking move for Portugal winer Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, with speculation that forward Robinho will be sold to Chelsea.
Van der Vaart's arrival would help Madrid cover for the loss of Sneijder, who suffered a knee injury in Sunday's friendly with Arsenal and could be absent for three months.
Madrid kick off the season on August 17 with the Spanish Supercup first leg against Copa del Rey champions Valencia. They open their league title defense with a trip to Deportivo La Coruna on August 30 or 31.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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