Hamburg have signed Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. The 33-year-old had been linked with a host of clubs recently as he looked to secure more playing time, with West Ham and Tottenham just two of the teams that were interested in the former Manchester United striker.

But HSV confirmed after their 1-0 Bundesliga defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening that they had won the race for the player's signature.

Van Nistelrooy quit international football after Holland's quarter-final exit to Russia at Euro 2008, but recently expressed his desire to return and now has his sights firmly set on a place in Bert van Marwijk's Oranje squad for South Africa.

"I would like to play well for HSV and be successful with them," he told hsv.de. "And then I obviously hope that the national team coach gives me a call and that I can go to the World Cup."

Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia was delighted to have secured the services of the prolific Dutchman.

He said: "Ruud has proved his qualities impressively at some of Europe's top clubs. I am convinced that he will also score some important goals for HSV.

"It just emphasises the reputation of our club that a player like Ruud van Nistelrooy decides to join Hamburg."

Van Nistelrooy was equally thrilled to have become a Hamburg player.

"I am really happy that it has worked out," he said.

"I am also looking forward to Monday when I come to Hamburg. I had great talks with both Bernd Hoffmann (Hamburg president) and Bruno Labbadia and had a very positive impression from the very beginning.

"HSV is a great club with a strong team and big ambitions. I also have big ambitions."