"Last night there was an agreement and I am going to Madrid. I've always wanted to play in Spain because I have strong ties with that country," said Van der Vaart. "Playing in Madrid was my dream as a child.
"It will be a new chapter in my life and I hope to help my new team to win many titles."
Rafael Garcia, Van der Vaart's Grandfather, who lives in Cadiz, revealed to AS: "My grandson is the happiest footballer in the world.
"He called me at 3am and told me 'Grandfather, I have signed for Madrid'."
