Van Nistelrooy makes Hamburg switch

Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined Hamburg on a one-and-a-half-year contract from Real Madrid, the German club have announced on their website.

Van Nistelrooy has been linked with a host of clubs recently in a bid to secure more playing time, with West Ham and Tottenham just two of the clubs that were interested in the former Manchester United striker.

And Hamburg have confirmed they have won the race to sign the 33-year-old Holland international.

Coach Bruno Labbadia was delighted to have secured the services of the prolific Dutchman.

He told club website www.hsv.de: “Ruud has proven his qualities impressively at some of Europe’s top clubs. I am convinced that he will also score some important goals for HSV.

“It just emphasises the reputation of our club that a player like Ruud van Nistelrooy decides to join Hamburg.”

Van Nistelrooy was equally thrilled to have become a Hamburg player.

“I am really happy that it has worked out,” he said.

“I am also looking forward to Monday when I come to Hamburg. I had great talks with both Bernd Hoffmann (Hamburg president) and Bruno Labbadia (coach) and had a very positive impression from the very beginning.

“HSV is a great club with a strong team and big ambitions. I also have big ambitions.”