“Last night everything came together, and I am now moving to Real Madrid,” the 25-year-old Hamburg captain announced on his website. According to reports the playmaker has agreed a five-year deal worth €13 million euros ($20 million) with the Spanish champions.

“As everybody might know I have always wanted to move to Spain, because I have a strong bond with that country. Now I’m going to play for Real Madrid – it’s a dream come true! Tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon I will be presented at Real Madrid. This will be the start of a new chapter in my life. I will do everything to help the team and the club to win trophies.”

Van der Vaart, who has won over 50 caps for his country and scored 12 goals, joined Hamburg in 2005, scoring 29 goals in 74 Bundesliga matches.