Huntelaar unveiled as a Galactico

December 4, 2008

Just one day after passing a medical at the Santiago Bernabeu, Klaas was presented to the media in the new shirt which he will be wearing in this new stage of his career. A deal with Ajax agreed earlier this week meant a big leap for the Dutch international player, from the Dutch league where he scored 6 goals this season, to a star-studded squad in La Liga. Huntelaar showed a good basic grasp of the Spanish language in the press conference, showing that the move was no big surprise for the Dutch goal-machine. He took some photos with honoroary club president Alfredo do Stefano, and with current chairman Ramon Calderon.

He was presented with the number 19 shirt, after his Ajax number, 9, is worn by Argentine Javier Saviola at the Galacticos. Ramon Calderon stated that the club was forced to make the move earlier than planned because of the injury to van Nistelrooy. Calderon said that in other circumstances, Huntelaar would have been a summer acquisition. When he joins with his new teammates in January, it shouldn’t be difficult for Klaas to find a regular place in the first-team squad. He is the 6th player from Holland currently playing for Real Madrid: joining the injured Ruud, Sneijder, summer acquisition van der Vaart, Robben and Drenthe. As at the 13th round of La Liga, Real sit in the 4th place, and Huntelaar will play a big part in their bid to retain the league. Huntelaar’s comments (delivered in Spanish) were:

“Thank you to Mr Di Stefano and the president. I am very proud to play for Real Madrid. Many goals. Thank you to everybody.”

“Some of the players I already know from Ajax. It’s going to be easier to adapt here than at a club where I don’t know anyone.” (Huntelaar in English)

“Real Madrid is the biggest team in the world. I’ll be doing all I can to help us catch up.” - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

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