Real Madrid signing Jesus Vallejo has paid tribute to Real Zaragoza fans.

The young defender signed for Real Madrid last week.

"Dear Zaragoza friends:

"Today has been an emotional day for me, having completed a move to Real Madrid.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to take a step that every single professional footballer anywhere in the world dreams of taking, signing for Real Madrid.

"However, I am also saddened that the move means that I will no longer play in the colours of my boyhood club, a club that took me in as a lad and helped me to develop as a person and a professional. I'm very proud to play at Real Zaragoza, and to have worn the captain's armband in your name.

"Fortunately, a deal has been agreed which will see me stay on at your club next season, and I'd like to thank Real Madrid for their generosity in allowing me to continue my professional development, whilst at the same time helping Real Zaragoza get back to where they belong, which is in the First Division. From this moment on, as a way of proving my gratitude to you all, I won't focus on anything else other than that objective."