Madrid confirm Coentrão transfer from Benfica

Real Madrid CF have secured the services of SL Benfica full-back Fábio Coentrão to complete their fifth signing of the summer.

The 23-year-old Portuguese international arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu for a fee revealed by Benfica to be €30m. Coentrão has passed a medical and signed a six-year deal to follow Raphaël Varane, Hamit Altıntop, Nuri Şahin and José Callejón in joining the Merengues ahead of the new season.

"It is every player's dream to play for Real Madrid," said the left-sided player. "It is something I have wanted since my childhood. Now I want to show everyone what I can do and that I am ready to play here. Working under [José Mourinho] is something to be proud of – he's the best coach in the world."

Coentrão moved to Benfica from Rio Ave FC in 2007 but took time to settle in Lisbon, amid loan spells at CD Nacional, Real Zaragoza and former club Rio Ave. He finally cemented his first-team place in 2009/10, making 26 appearances for Jorge Jesus's Portuguese Liga-winning side. Coentrão was also an ever-present for Portugal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup before showing his versatility by playing in midfield for Benfica during parts of last term.

Mourinho took Madrid to second spot in the Spanish Liga during his first campaign at the helm, so will once again oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage tilt in 2011/12.