Camavinga unveiled at Real Madrid: "It's a secret who I spoke to and who I didn't speak to..."

Eduardo Camavinga was presented at Real Madrid this afternoon. The day, after arriving in Madrid late on Tuesday, began early for him - first was an early morning medical revision. Once he had passed that, he was driven to Valdebebas to meet Carlo Ancelotti and the rest of his new team mates. The Italian coach presented him to the squad, who applauded him and gave him a warm welcome. Férland Mendy, his compatriot, acted as host and translator.

After that there was the important matter of signing his new contract, posing for photographs with his No.25 shirt alongside club president Florentino Pérez and his first dealings with the media. "The major factor for me, was realising my dream to join Real Madrid," the player said.

He began, "Good afternoon everyone. I am very happy and proud to be here and to be able to defend this club's crest. I'd like to thank the president for the faith he has shown in me and the rest of my family. If somebody had told me a few years ago that I would be stood here today, I wouldn't have believed them. Hala Madrid!"

Dream come true

Dream to play for Real Madrid: "I'm very happy, playing for Real Madrid is a dream I have had since I was a boy. I am going to try to give the best I have".

Seeing his parents at his presentation: "At the moment I knew that I was going to be a Madrid player, I felt extremely happy. I thought about my family, and all of the problems that we've had and I am incredibly proud that they are here to share this moment with me".

Midfield role: "As I said before, I have come here to learn. I have to show the coach that I am ready, I have to work hard and try to be given some playing time and enjoy my time out on the pitch". 

Tough childhood fleeing the war: "Of course having to escape the war helped me in that it made me stronger. But more than that, my family have supported me a lot and when I play, I play for them".

Why did you choose Real Madrid? "To be honest, the main factor wasn't the money, it is a pleasure for me to realise a dream I have had since I was little. When I heard there was a chance that I could sign for Madrid, I didn't need to think twice".

Best position in midfield: "I get asked that question a lot. I like to play in front of the defence, but also being able to go forward; I have to adapt my game to all of the different styles. I will play wherever the coach wants to me to play".

Madrid idols

First memory of Real Madrid as a boy: "Real Madrid in the Champions League - Figo, Zidane... All of those great players who have passed through Madrid".

How do you feel about being Real Madrid's new signing and what are you hoping for this season? "The idea is to play as many minutes as I can. I am very happy, this is perhaps one of the best days of my life, this and when I was called up by France for the first time".

Which player do you see yourself in? "I don't think it's about me being similar to another player. I just enjoy playing. I don't know whether it's better playing as a defensive midfielder or in a more attacking role. All I like is playing football, nothing else".

Contact with Real Madrid when you were 16: "When I was 16, I didn't receive any phone calls, I was just playing football. I knew that Madrid were interested. At 16, like now, I am not really that bothered about anything that isn't playing football. It's my parents who deal with those things". 

Benzema's guidance and level of Spanish: "Benzema is an idol for everyone in France, he is brilliant dealing with the younger players. We've seen that with Vinicius. He helps me, because he's French. I only speak a little Spanish (laughs)".

How did negotiations develop? "It was done in the last days of the market, but it's a secret who I spoke to and who I didn't".