Hamburg announced on Saturday that Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined the club on an 18-month deal.
The former Manchester United hitman was widely expected to leave Los Blancos in the January transfer window and had been linked to several English clubs, with West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City known to be courting his services.
However, the 33-year-old has opted against a second stint in the Premier League, choosing instead to head for Germany.
Van Nistelrooy told the club's official website: "I am very happy that it worked out and look forward to Monday when I will arrive in Hamburg.
"Hamburg is a fantastic club with a strong team and great ambitions. I also have great ambitions.
"I obviously hope that the national team coach gives me a call and that I can go to the World Cup."
Van Nistelrooy finished as the leading scorer in La Liga during his first season with Real in 2006/07, but the latter part of his time with the Spanish giants has been plagued by injuries and he has managed just a handful of appearances this term, including only one in the league.
But he will leave the Bernabéu with nothing but good things to say about his treatment in the Spanish capital.
The striker added: "I have got to say that Real have behaved really well. The management have not put any obstacles in my way.
"I think a video will be shown before the game (against Málaga on Sunday) and then I will do a lap of honour.
"I really had a fantastic time in Madrid."
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 Ruud van Nistelrooy poses with his Hamburg jersey during a news conferencePhoto: Reuters |
The former Manchester United hitman was widely expected to leave Los Blancos in the January transfer window and had been linked to several English clubs, with West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City known to be courting his services.
However, the 33-year-old has opted against a second stint in the Premier League, choosing instead to head for Germany.
Van Nistelrooy told the club's official website: "I am very happy that it worked out and look forward to Monday when I will arrive in Hamburg.
"Hamburg is a fantastic club with a strong team and great ambitions. I also have great ambitions.
"I obviously hope that the national team coach gives me a call and that I can go to the World Cup."
Van Nistelrooy finished as the leading scorer in La Liga during his first season with Real in 2006/07, but the latter part of his time with the Spanish giants has been plagued by injuries and he has managed just a handful of appearances this term, including only one in the league.
But he will leave the Bernabéu with nothing but good things to say about his treatment in the Spanish capital.
The striker added: "I have got to say that Real have behaved really well. The management have not put any obstacles in my way.
"I think a video will be shown before the game (against Málaga on Sunday) and then I will do a lap of honour.
"I really had a fantastic time in Madrid."
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