Michael Owen was unveiled as Real Madrid's latest 'galactico' on Saturday and then handed the number 11 shirt previously worn by some of the club's greatest-ever names.

In a carefully choreographed ceremony at the Santiago Bernabeu, Owen immediately set out on a charm offensive designed to win over the fans by not only speaking in Spanish but also revealing a knowledge of Madrid's glorious past.

The England striker, who has signed a four-year contract, was handed his new shirt - vacated by Javier Portillo's loan move to Fiorentina - by Real legend Alfredo di Stefano before reading from a prepared statement.

He opened by saying: "Buenos dias a todos," which translates as 'good day everybody', before adding: "My dad has been telling me about the great Real Madrid of the 1960s, he said Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas were unbelievable forwards and Paco Gento was the quickest number 11 he had ever seen.

"I am so proud to be wearing that number 11 shirt."

Owen will now return to England to link up with the national squad ahead of their friendly with Ukraine on Wednesday night.

He added: "I'm going back for a few days but will be back on Thursday. It has been a nice couple of days here.

"I would like to say a special thank you for being given the opportunity to play for the best team in the world."

Following his presentation to the press, Owen went on to the Bernabeu pitch to the cheers of around 250 fans sitting in the vast arena.

He then had a quick kick-about with a small boy who was brought on to the hallowed turf.

A public relations exercise it undoubtedly was but it was relatively low-key compared to the stomach-churning circus which accompanied David Beckham's arrival last summer.

The man who masterminded both transfers, Madrid president Florentino Perez, could not hide his delight at having secured the services of Owen for a fee of £8million, with midfielder Antonio Nunez also moving to Anfield in part exchange.

Perez said: "We are opening the door to someone new. Signing Michael Owen is following our tradition. We are signing an excellent player with talent who is able to give us something special.

"He dreamed that he would play for Real Madrid, he wanted to play for us. He has accepted the challenge of playing for Real Madrid with some of the best players in the world and some players of legend."

Perez added: "He fits perfectly into the Real Madrid culture. Not just because of the way he plays but because of his behaviour off the pitch.

"The greatness of our club is that these players work and play as a team knowing that what happens is followed by millions of fans throughout the world.

"At Real Madrid the norm is to win, to put on a show and to show an example both playing football and in their behaviour.

"I want to thank Michael and I am certain he will form part of the brilliant history of our club."

Owen's first task is to try and break into Madrid's formidable line-up, meaning he will have to displace either Raul or Ronaldo.

Fernando Morientes is another striker hoping for a slice of first-team action having returned from a season-long loan at Monaco as the top scorer in the Champions League.

Owen's record is certainly impressive though having netted 118 goals in 216 appearances for the Merseyside club

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