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Jul 01 2009
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By Agencies   

Kaka has one of these already [AFP]
Kaka has one of these already [AFP]

Kaka ushered in Real Madrid's latest 'galactico' era as the Spanish club gave the Brazil player a rock star welcome with an unveiling in front of more than 50,000 fans.

After president Florentino Perez introduced Kaka for the first time since his $92million acquisition from AC Milan, the 27-year-old playmaker shook his head in delight as fans chanted his name at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Today is a very special day for me. I'm very happy about this new step in my career at Real Madrid," said Kaka, who will wear the No.8 shirt.

"Viva Madrid!"

Kaka – who passed his medical earlier on Tuesday – and Cristiano Ronaldo are Perez's major summer signings as he bids to make up for a season without silverware.

No words

"There are no words for today, it's an unforgettable day," Kaka said on Tuesday.

"All of this is a great honour and responsibility, and not a negative responsibility but a positive one. I hope we can win titles and many victories."

Kaka took the stage in front of a backdrop featuring photos of iconic Madrid players Alfredo di Stefano, Raul Gonzalez, Juanito and Zinedine Zidane.

Accompanied by a young fan donning the first Kaka jersey, he subsequently did a tour of one half of the 80,000-capcity stadium to sign autographs and salute to the pumped-up masses.

Perez has splashed out $333million this summer – including Valencia defender Raul Albiol – in a bid to turn the page on a season that was marred by former president Ramon Calderon's resignation over a vote-rigging scandal.

Valencia to Manchester

In England, Ronaldo's replacement at Manchester United was hailed with slightly less fuss at Old Trafford. 

Valencia has gone up in the world
Valencia has gone up in the world

Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia signed from Wigan Athletic on a four-year contract for a fee thought to be around $20million.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started," 23-year-old Valencia, who has played 34 times for his country, said on United's website.

Valencia became United manager Alex Ferguson's first signing since the end of last season.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team," Ferguson said.

The South American notched up 89 appearances, scoring seven times, after joining Wigan from Spanish club Villarreal in 2006.

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