Dean Huijsen calls Real Madrid ‘the club of my life’ after move from Bournemouth

Dean Huijsen said Real Madrid is “the club of my life” as he was formally unveiled following his £50million move from Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old, who agreed a five-year deal at the Bernabeu last month, met president Florentino Perez at the club’s training complex to sign his contract and be officially presented as a Real player.

The move followed an outstanding season, his first at the Vitality Stadium, during which he helped Andoni Iraola’s team to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League.

“I want to thank the president,” said Huijsen, who was born in the Netherlands but moved to Spain aged five where he became naturalised.

“I’ve wanted to be here since day one. Since Madrid called, I’ve had no other team in mind.”

The defender played 36 times last season for the Cherries, establishing himself as a breakout star of the Premier League season following his move from Juventus last summer.

His performances led to a first senior call-up for his adopted country Spain, for whom he made his international debut during the Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands in March.

He had previously represented the country of his birth at age-group level.

His move to the Spanish capital came after Real triggered the release clause in his Bournemouth deal.

“I want to thank my family, from driving me to training every day to travelling with me,” he said. “And thank you to my brothers.

“I’m coming to the best club in the world and I’m here to give it my all with humility, and hopefully we can win many trophies together.

“Madrid is the club of my life. Thank you very much. Hala Madrid.”