Aurelien Tchouameni has been officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player after completing his medical on Tuesday.
The France international midfielder joins Real Madrid from French club Monaco on the back of a €100 million (£85m/$107m) transfer.
Aurelien Tchouameni, who signed a six year contract with Real Madrid, will inherit the No.18 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu from Gareth Bale.
The 22-year-old snubbed interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester United and French giants PSG to join Los Blancos.
Aurelien Tchouameni said: “I had the chance to choose other clubs, yes – but as soon as I knew Real Madrid wanted me, I never doubted”, referencing international team-mate Kylian Mbappe’s attempts to persuade him to join Paris Saint-Germain.
He added: “I’m really happy to be here, to start a new chapter with the best club in the world… I want to make a mark in football and this club is the best to do it.
“I’m in the best club in the world. I spoke with the president and we agreed to win new titles. We are going to work on that, to win more titles for Real Madrid.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez added: “He is one of the best midfielders in the world and today he arrives at Real Madrid.
“At 22 years old you were able to choose your club and you have chosen this one.”
And in a press conference to announce his arrival, Tchouameni continued: “I’m very happy to be here to start my story with Real Madrid, the best team in the world.
“We are going to work hard to continue winning many titles for this club.
“Thanks to the president, my agent and my family. Hala Madrid! When I was young I used to watch the Real Madrid players. Casemiro has an incredible career.
“Hopefully I can also win five European Cups. ‘I remember Zidane in 2006. I’ve paid a lot of attention to Benzema too. They are my two French idols.
“I’ve played a lot with the 8, but right now it belongs to Kroos. I asked for available numbers and chose the one that looked the most like it.”
Who else has worn the No.18 shirt for Real Madrid?
Bale was switched from 11 to 18 after returning to the Bernabeu from a loan spell at Tottenham in the 2020-21 campaign after previous occupant Luka Jovic switched to No.16.
Marcos Llorente, Mariano Diaz, Lucas Vazquez, Nacho Fernandez and Raul Albiol have all worn the No.18 shirt in the past.
Javier Saviola, Antonio Cassano and shock signing Julian Faubert in 2008-09 have also worn the No.18 shirt at Real Madrid.
Former England international defender Jonathan Woodgate also wore the No.18 after joining from Newcastle United in 2004.
