Ronaldo gets spectacular welcome from Real fans

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo, the record 80 million-pound signing the club hope will help restore them to former glories, was welcomed by 80,000 jubilant fans at the Bernabeu on Monday.

After 50,000 turned out for the presentation of Brazilian playmaker Kaka last week, the club faithful began converging on the stadium around lunchtime to welcome the Portuguese international.

The huge arena in the centre of the Spanish capital again reverberated to the beat of rock music as a selection of Ronaldo's goals were replayed on a giant screen in the centre of the pitch.

Shortly after 9pm local time, the World Player of the Year emerged to a rapturous reception and was welcomed on stage by club legend Alfredo di Stefano, compatriot Eusebio and club president Florentino Perez.

"I am very happy to be here," Ronaldo, clad in Real's all-white strip and his new number nine shirt, told fans.

"A childhood dream has come true for me, to come to Real Madrid. It's incredible that the stadium is full just for me," he added, before showing off his skills with the ball and greeting fans around the stadium.

The 24-year-old, who joined Real from English champions Manchester United, is the jewel in the crown of Perez's self-styled "spectacular sporting project".

After bringing "galacticos" David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo to the club during his previous term, Perez has spent around 215 million euros ($300.5 million) on Ronaldo, Kaka, French striker Karim Benzema and defender Raul Albiol.

He is hoping the signing of such high-profile players will help Real take the Spanish and European Champions League crowns from arch-rivals Barcelona and boost revenue via the sale of replica merchandise and marketing rights.

Ronaldo was quoted as saying on Saturday that he will show he is worth the world-record transfer fee of 80 million pounds ($131.3 million) that Real Madrid paid Manchester United for him.

"I respect everyone's opinion but I don't agree with these people (who have criticised the fee)," the Portugal winger told sports daily Marca in an interview.

"If Real Madrid have paid so much money it is because they wanted me and considered it good value. I am going to do all I can to play well and prove the money they paid for me has been well spent."

"Great footballers cost a lot of money and if you want them you have to pay for them. I am happy to be the most expensive player in the world," said Ronaldo.

The 24-year-old said he would have fond memories of his time at United and singled out manager Alex Ferguson for special praise.

"He has been like a sporting father to me, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career," Ronaldo said.

"I have to thank him for everything he taught me ... the way of thinking, the way of making choices in my life ... he has been fundamental. He will always occupy a special place in my heart."

At a news conference later on Monday with club director general Jorge Valdano, Ronaldo said his former colleagues in Manchester and the United fans understood and respected his decision to leave after six years.

"This is a big challenge for me here. This is my life, my new house, my new club and I am going to give 100 percent for this club."

Valdano said the attention from non-sports media that Ronaldo was bringing to the club worried him but added he was sure the player had a successful career ahead of him.

"Given that he is not yet at his peak and he is a very ambitious person there is no goal that he cannot achieve," Valdano said.