Real Madrid have signed their first sponsorship contract in China, partnering with electric car manufacturer Luyuan, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. The La Liga club's director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueño, attended a ceremony in Tianjin to announce the deal.

"We are very satisfied to present the first sponsorship contract in Real Madrid's history that has been signed in China. And it is an honour that it is with Luyuan," said Butragueño.

"We have shared values with them, the desire to constantly improve, the quest for excellence and a vocation for leadership. Through its brand and products, Luyuan aims to make life easier for society, using quality, innovation, coexistence and respect for the environment.

"This is the beginning of a long and successful collaboration that will mark part of the future of our companies".

Ni Jie, president of Luyuan, added: "It is an important year when Luyuan is signing a collaboration agreement with the most prestigious club in the world. It is an honour to be Real Madrid's first sponsor in China.

"Football and electric vehicles have things in common such as being green, healthy, looking after the environment and being close to the wider public."