Robben, Heinze unveiled by Real Madrid

Aug 23, 2007 - 8:13 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.

The 23-year-old Holland winger Robben has a contract with the Spanish giants for the next five seasons.

Real had been linked with Robben for over a year, with club president Ramon Calderon pledging to sign the player during his successful election campaign last summer.

No deal was forthcoming then, but Real finally got its man on Wednesday - much to Robben's delight.

For me it was really a big relief when yesterday the final word came that I could join Madrid, Robben said. It's a great honor if you're one of the promises of a president. Now I am here I think everybody is happy - the club is happy, I'm very happy.

The Dutchman added: It has been difficult and it took a very long time. There were many moments when I thought I was going to Madrid the next day, and then it didn't happen. But in the end I got here.

No fee has been confirmed for Robben and Heinze, but reports in Spain suggest the double swoop could cost Real almost $68 million in total.

The majority of that outlay is believed to have been on Robben. He cost Chelsea $24 million when they signed him from PSV Eindhoven in 2004.

Robben said: I know it's a lot of money, I think it shows the interest Madrid had in bringing me here and it gives me a lot confidence.

They showed over the last few weeks that they were really willing to do everything to get me here, and that gave me a great feeling, so I am very happy that finally the decision came yesterday.

Defender Heinze could take the left-back position vacated by Roberto Carlos' departure to Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Roberto Carlos was a virtual fixture in the Real team for more than a decade, and Heinze admits the attack-minded Brazilian will be a tough act to follow.

It is impossible to forget Roberto Carlos. I have come here to give everything. What Roberto Carlos has done is impressive, said Heinze, who does not know if he will be used at left-back or in the centre of defence by Real coach Bernd Schuster.

He (Schuster) will know where I can be most useful, said Heinze. At Manchester United I always played at left-back and for Argentina in the middle, apart from the Copa America.