Shakhtar Donetsk boss Igor Jovicevic has recalled playing under a fake name for Real Madrid and hiding in a hotel while securing a secret transfer to Real Madrid.

Jovicevic, 48, was in demand as a 17-year-old at Dinamo Zagreb in 1991.

Explaining how his transfer came about, Jovicevic revealed that Madrid hijacked a move from Italian side Verona, admitting to AS: “I was 17-years-old.

“Later, (Vicente) Del Bosque told me that I had been on his agenda for a long time.

“I came from being runner-up in Europe U-17 and I was chosen the best of the tournament.

“I had offers and being in Verona finalising my signing for that club in a hotel… I see a team enter.

“I recognise Radomir Antic, may he rest in peace. It was Madrid, they had gone there to play a tournament.”

On how Madrid kept their pursuit under wraps, he added: “I knew (Robert) Prosinecki and chatted with him and Antic.

“Madrid was very much alive and suggested that I return with them to Spain.

“I went, I played a couple of games under another name and I was hidden in a hotel incognito until a journalist discovered me… In the end the signing was closed.”

Jovicevic played for Real Madrid’s B Team between 1991 and 1995, lining up under Rafa Benitez alongside the likes of Raul and Guti.

A lengthy injury put paid to his Madrid career – and he moved to NK Zagreb in 1996.

Since finishing his career at Chinese side Zhuhai in 2004, Jovicevic has embarked on a successful coaching career.