A capacity crowd of close to 80,000 people welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid on Monday, setting a new world record for a turnout at the presentation of a footballer, club officials said. “I am very happy to be here,” the 24-year-old Portuguese winger told cheering fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in the Spanish capital after completing his much-desired move to the club from Manchester United. “For me it is the realization of a childhood dream, which was to play for Real Madrid. I never expected the stadium would be full just to see me. It is impressive,” he added. The previous record for attendance at the unveiling of a footballer was set in July 1984 when Argentina's Diego Maradona was presented at Naples after he joined the Italian side from FC Barcelona before 75,000 people. But while fans had to pay to see Maradona don the Napoli jersey for the first time, entry to Ronaldo's presentation in Madrid was free. Ronaldo, the 2008 FIFA world player of the year, was wearing the black and white Number 9 jersey once sported by club legend Alfredo di Stefano. The Argentine striker, Real's honorary president, was present at the unveiling as was Portuguese legend and former Real player Eusebio. Real acquired the player from Manchester last month on a six-year deal worth 94 million euros ($131 million) and he will reportedly be paid 13 million euros each season, making him the most expensive player in the world. The head of Real's medical services, Carlos Diez, earlier said Ronaldo was “in perfect condition and looking forward to the beginning of the season” after the player underwent medical tests. Ronaldo was eventually chased from the field as security failed to contain the crowd, with many teenage fans jumping the barrier in search of an autograph. One fan managed to evade security to reach the stage and hug Ronaldo, who signed the young man's Madrid shirt. Chelsea signs Zhirkov New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti began his first day at work for the London club by announcing the signing of Russia midfielder Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow on Monday. Ancelotti, Chelsea's fifth manager in two years, held a news conference at Stamford Bridge where he also said that captain John Terry, the subject of interest from Manchester City, was not for sale at any price. “I think that Zhirkov, (keeper Ross) Turnbull, and (striker Daniel) Sturridge are all Chelsea players. I don't know very well Sturridge or Turnbull, but I know Zhirkov,” Ancelotti told Sky Sports News.
