Hamburg seal Ruud signing
25 Jan 2010 - 08:56:00
Hamburg have won the race to sign Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been linked with West Ham United, Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur in the last week.
The 33-year-old Netherlands international has penned an 18-month contract with Hamburg and moves to the HSH Nordbank Arena on a free transfer.
Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia confirmed: "Yes, we have made an agreement with Ruud. I'm very happy that he has decided to join us. He's joined for free."
The former PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United star scored 33 goals in all competitions in his first season in Spain but featured in only seven La Liga games in his last 18 injury-ravaged months.
The prolific forward found the net 150 times in 218 matches for United before scoring 59 goals in 87 appearances for Real.