Robben, Heinze unveiled by Real Madrid

Aug 23, 2007 - 4:45 PM Special to PA SportsTicker

MADRID (Ticker) - Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze were unveiled as Real Madrid players on Thursday after completing their moves from the English Premier League powerhouses.

The pair flew into Madrid on Thursday morning to put the finishing touches to their moves, after it was confirmed Real had struck deals for the pair on Wednesday.

Argentina star Heinze, 29, who arrived in Madrid two hours before Robben, has signed a four-year deal with Real.

The 23-year-old Holland winger Robben will be tied to the Spanish giants for the next five seasons.

The players passed their physicals with the Spanish champions before being unveiled in front of fans and media at the club's Bernabeu Stadium.

No fee has been confirmed for the pair, but reports in the Spanish media suggest the double swoop could cost Real almost $68 million in total.

The arrival of Robben and Heinze takes the number of new signings at Real this summer to eight, with Christoph Metzelder, Pepe, Javier Saviola, Jerzy Dudek, Royston Drenthe and Wesley Sneijder already signed.

Real begins its defence of the Primera Liga title on Saturday when Bernd Schuster's side host local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Both players briefly addressed supporters during their presentations.

Heinze said: It is a pleasure to wear this shirt. I am going to give everything, like I have done up until now. I hope that this year we can continue making the fans happy.

Robben read a message out in Spanish, much to the delight of the supporters in the stands.

He said: I want to thank the club, the president and the board for their effort and patience in signing me.