Real Madrid have snapped up Jerzy Dudek on a free transfer as back-up to Iker Casillas following his release by Liverpool at the end of last season.
The Polish international was linked to Recreativo, Bolton and Manchester City, but was always keen on trying his hand in Spain.Bernd Schuster gave the green light to complete the deal after officially taking the reins at the Bernabéu earlier this week.
Madrid have been after a new keeper following the sale of highly-rated youth team product Diego López to Villarreal for €6m last month.Dudek was released by Liverpool after six seasons on Merseyside as he was unable to earn a regular place in the team ahead of José Reina.
Having spent the last two seasons playing second fiddle to one Madrid-born custodian, Dudek will now perform the same task in the Spanish captial itself.Casillas is the undoubted number one, but the club's technical staff wanted experienced cover rather than to promote a keeper from their youth team.
Francesco Toldo was also approached by Madrid only for his wage demands to rule him out of any move.Dudek made 15 first team appearances for Sokol Tychy before moved to Feyenoord in 1996 and after five years in Holland was signed by Liverpool.During his time at Anfield, the 34-year-old's most memorable performance came in the 2005 Champions League final when he made two heroic saves in extra time before stopping two penalties in the shoot-out.
The Polish international was linked to Recreativo, Bolton and Manchester City, but was always keen on trying his hand in Spain.Bernd Schuster gave the green light to complete the deal after officially taking the reins at the Bernabéu earlier this week.
Madrid have been after a new keeper following the sale of highly-rated youth team product Diego López to Villarreal for €6m last month.Dudek was released by Liverpool after six seasons on Merseyside as he was unable to earn a regular place in the team ahead of José Reina.
Having spent the last two seasons playing second fiddle to one Madrid-born custodian, Dudek will now perform the same task in the Spanish captial itself.Casillas is the undoubted number one, but the club's technical staff wanted experienced cover rather than to promote a keeper from their youth team.
Francesco Toldo was also approached by Madrid only for his wage demands to rule him out of any move.Dudek made 15 first team appearances for Sokol Tychy before moved to Feyenoord in 1996 and after five years in Holland was signed by Liverpool.During his time at Anfield, the 34-year-old's most memorable performance came in the 2005 Champions League final when he made two heroic saves in extra time before stopping two penalties in the shoot-out.
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