Good Riddance

Last updated : 23 August 2007 By Ed
From the Guardian on Heinze joining Real for a fee of around 8 million.

Gabriel Heinze's acrimonious departure from Manchester United was finally sealed night when the Argentina international signed for Real Madrid in a four-year deal. The Spanish champions acted quickly after Heinze was unable to force a transfer to Liverpool and he will take over from Roberto Carlos on the left side of their defence.

"After playing for a number of clubs all over the world, Heinze arrives at Real Madrid," Real's website announced last night. "He adds commitment and intensity to the defence, bringing versatility and talent to the club."

The fee has not been disclosed but it is thought it is below the £6.8m that Liverpool bid last month, an offer United immediately rejected to set in motion the chain of events that saw Heinze take the club to a Premier League hearing this week.

Madrid were the first club to register an official interest in Heinze when it became clear towards the end of last season that he would be allowed to leave Old Trafford and he held talks at the Bernabéu as long ago as May. His first choice, however, was Liverpool and he went as far as employing the club's legal advisers to try to become the first United player to move to Anfield since Phil Chisnall in 1964.

Real have also announced the signing of Arjen Robben from Chelsea.