The England captain passed a medical yesterday to complete his £25million deal to the nine times European champions.

He was handed one of Real's famous white shirts, with the number 23 on the back, by the legendary Real player Alfredo di Stefano.

"Congratulations," said the Argentinian as he handed Beckham his shirt. "We wish you the best with this club." 

Then it was the turn of the England captain to speak: "I have always loved football," he said.

"Of course I love my family. I have a wonderful life, but football is everything to me and joining Real Madrid is a dream come true.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone coming and joining me in my arrival."

Beckham then would have pleased the watching Real fans by quoting the famous Madrid chant by saying: "Gracias - hala Madrid!"

Beckham joins Real's galaxy of stars - dubbed los galacticos - which includes French playmaker Zinedine Zidane, Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Raul and Roberto Carlos.

Beckham will now have a three-week break before joining up with his new team-mates for pre-season training. 

Related Links

Becks Watch: FC Tokyo 2-4 Real Madrid
England captain David Beckham scored his first goal for Real Madrid as the Spanish champions defeated FC Tokyo 2-0 in the Japanese capital...
Becks Watch: Thailand 1 Real Madrid 2
David Beckham rounded off the Real Madrid tour of the Far East with another commanding performance in the heart of the Spanish champions' midfield...
Becks Watch: Real Mallorca 2 Real Madrid 1
In the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, David Beckham's Real Madrid lose 2-1 away to Copa del Rey holders Real Mallorca...
Match 4: Real Madrid 3-0 Real Mallorca, Super Cup, 27/08/03
David Beckham capped off an impressive home debut with his first competitive goal for new club Real Madrid in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup...
Match 5: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Betis, League, 30/08/03
David Beckham enjoyed the perfect start to his Real Madrid career, scoring after just three minutes of his La Liga debut against Real Betis...
Match 6: Villareal 1-1 Real Madrid, League, 10/09/03
David Beckham joins up with the England squad today having played in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw away to Villareal last night...