‘I didn’t have eyes for any other teams’

Dean Huijsen had no desire to join any other team once he learned Real Madrid were interested.

Madrid announced the signing of the Spain centre-back from Bournemouth last month on a contract until July 2030.

Los Blancos paid the £50million release clause to secure Huijsen’s services, with Madrid beating several Premier League teams to his signature.

The Amsterdam-born defender attracted widespread interest following an excellent campaign in which he helped Bournemouth to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League.

But there was only one place Huijsen wanted to go once Madrid entered the race to sign him.

“Thanks to the club and the president [Florentino Perez],’ Huijsen said at his presentation.

“I wanted to be here from day one. Ever since Real Madrid called, I didn’t have eyes for any other teams.

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“I’m joining the best club in the world and I’m here to give it my all. I’m going to work as hard as I can, remaining humble, to hopefully win many trophies together.

“Madrid is the club of my life, and I hope to be here for many years to come. Hala Madrid.”

Huijsen is likely to make his Madrid debut at the Club World Cup, where Xabi Alonso will oversee his first games in charge after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti.

“I spoke to Xabi Alonso. He told me what he’s expecting from me,” Huijsen added.

“I think I fit very well in the type of football he wants and that these will be beautiful years.”

Praising Huijsen, president Florentino Perez said: “We have a great team, with great talent and exceptional players. That’s why we’re happy today because a player has arrived who bursts into the world of football with the necessary strength, Dean Huijsen.

‘You’ve chosen to wear this shirt because it was your biggest dream since you were a child. Your parents and siblings know how hard you’ve worked to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.

“In one of the most prestigious leagues, you’ve established yourself as one of the best centre-backs in the world and we’re proud that you’re now wearing the Spanish jersey.

“You’re an elegant and modern centre-back. Many clubs wanted you, but you were clear that you wanted to play for Madrid.”