Illarramendi signs for Madrid



Real Madrid have signed midfielder Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad after agreeing to pay the £32.8million buy-out clause in his contract. The Spanish giants clearly see the 23-year-old as their long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso in the defensive midfield role at the Bernabeu. A Real statement read: "Real Madrid have signed Asier Illarramendi, who is now tied to the club for the next six seasons. "The player will be presented tomorrow (Saturday) after undergoing the relevant medical tests." Illarramendi was a key man at Sociedad last term, helping the San Sebastian club finish fourth and secure a Champions League berth, before playing every match as Spain U21s won the European Championship this summer.

"It hasn't been an easy decision," he said. "It has been very difficult for me to decide, because Real Sociedad have given me so much. "I was on holiday when we started to hear about the interest from Real Madrid. There were contacts, we mulled it over, and we came to the conclusion that it was an offer we couldn't refuse. It's a unique opportunity. "I thank the board, the academy coaches, the backroom staff and my team-mates (at Sociedad). I wish them all the best, this club will achieve great things."
http://www.teamtalk.com/news/2483/8820434/Illarramendi-signs-for-Madrid