Real Salt Lake recruit Rachid El Khalifi is excited about embarking on a new journey with his new club.

The Dutch winger, who signed from SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden, joined the Royals for his first training session since a trial during pre-season and was looking forward to playing football in another country.

"I wanted to go always to another country," El Khalifi said.

"It's different. I only trained with the team in California and my feeling was good. When I went back to Holland, I wanted to come back (to Real Salt Lake)."

Royals boss Jason Kreis said the club will benefit from El Khalifi's experience.

"He'll provide more competition for a starting job and minutes," Kreis said.

"He's a veteran and we felt we needed more veteran play."