Van Nistelrooy's decision to immediately return to Madrid after collecting a knock while on international duty has kicked Real directors into action. The gesture has delighted Real president Ramon Calderon and sports director Pedja Mijatovic. Indeed, coach Bernd Schuster admits he is "amazed" by the professionalism of Van Nistelrooy: "He is the one who has impressed me most as a person."
Terms have already been struck with the former Manchester United striker's agent, Roger Linse, and Calderon hopes to announce the player's re-signing immediately after next week's Champions League tie with Werder Bremen.