Hamburg FC

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Ruud explains Real exit

25 Jan 2010 - 09:11:36

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Veteran striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted that a need for regular first-team action was behind to his decision to leave Real Madrid to join Hamburg.

The 33-year-old Dutchman has penned an 18-month contract with the Bundesliga outfit, having voiced his regret at having to choose to leave the Bernabeu.

He told Marca: "Saying goodbye to Real Madrid is very difficult.

"It has been one of the most difficult decisions of my career, but I felt I had to play and Hamburg gave me a great opportunity.

"The coach and president called me and told me I'm going to be very important. I only want to play and Hamburg gave me this opportunity.

"When I started the season I was convinced I was going to play. I felt very good and I knew that I was going to have my moment, but I've not been lucky.

"Now there are only four months to go to the end of the season and I know that I was going to have few opportunities at Madrid."