In his first interview about the move, Woodgate, who has won five caps for England, described the move as the culmination of his career to date.

The 24-year-old passed his medical last week and will now have to fully recover from a thigh injury before taking his place in the Real defence.

Here is his full interview with realmadrid.com:

Can you tell us about your first impressions as a new Real Madrid player?

"The whole thing has been very crazy and incredible for me. I am enjoying every minute of my stay here.

"It is something unbelievable for me to play in this team. I have not had time to take in such excitement.

"This is a most important moment in my life. I am very happy and grateful to Real for having brought me here."

How would you introduce yourself to your new supporters?

"I'd say my name is Jonathan Woodgate, I am 24, I have played in Leeds and Newcastle before as a central defender and now I can't wait to put on the white shirt and play for Real Madrid."

What is the story behind your signing for Real Madrid?

"My agent called me on Wednesday morning to tell me that Real Madrid was interested in me. I could not believe it myself. I was speechless with the receiver in my hand, I was overwhelmed. Then it was time for joy, obviously."

You missed on Euro 2004 because of an injury that is still dragging on. How are you feeling now?

"As you know, I got that injury on my thigh in April playing against Chelsea. I am recovering and I hope it will be completely healed in two or three weeks' time.

"There has been no problem in the medical checkup and I hope I will be in full shape to play all the tournaments of the season."

Recently, you stated your dream was to play the Champions League. Is that one of the main reasons for your signing for Real Madrid?

"The Champions League is an unbelievable tournamet, it's unique, the top-class championship.

"I had the chance to play it when I was in Leeds, besides we played Madrid. Now I would like to experience the same playing with Real."

As you have just mentioned, you already had the chance to play against Real Madrid in season 2000/01. What do you remember from that game?

"I already thought this was the best team of the world before I came here, and this is something I have just seen for myself now.

"The stadium is amazing. From that match, I remember Hierro, Raúl, Helguera... They are all fantastic footballers from whom I can learn a lot, beginning with Iván Helguera."

Right, but there have been many new players joining Real Madrid ever since that game you played, and they are not common ones...

"Yes they are all world top-class footballers. Zidane, Figo, Beckham, Ronaldo. They are all playing top-level football, their football is just amazing and I would like to play at that same level."

Now that Beckham and Owen are in Real, I suppose your decision has been easier to make.

"Sure, they are going to help me a lot, obviously. I know Michael and David from England national team, although I hope I will be able to speak Spanish very soon, so that I can communicate with my Spanish team-mates too."

Real Madrid is an offensive team mainly. Is it a special challenge for any defender to play in such a team? Do you think you are ready to face it along with Walter Samuel?

"I would like to think I am.I am a defender and I love defending and doing my job.

"Raúl, Owen and Ronaldo have to score goals, but my job is different. I hope I can do it very well from the start.

"I can't wait to begin, honestly. I like to take on responsibilities and I hope I live up to the demands of this team."

Have you dreamt of winning titles with Real?

"Yes, no doubt about it. This is one of the reasons why I have moved here.

"My coming here is because I think I am joining a team that can be in the fight for all the trophies. I hope I can live many unforgettable experiences.

"This is the high point in any footballer's career. I am very grateful to the people that have trusted me, particularly the club."