Hamburg add Van Nistelrooy pedigree

Ruud van Nistelrooy has cut his ties with Real Madrid CF and signed an 18-month contract with Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV, his new coach Bruno Labbadia "convinced he will score important goals".

Impressive record
Van Nistelrooy, 33, has been deemed surplus to requirements at Madrid this term, making just one substitute appearance in the Liga in what has so far proved an injury-plagued season. He still boasts an enviable record of 46 league goals in 68 games for Los Merengues having also struck 33 times in 64 matches for the Netherlands. "I'm very happy that everything has worked out," said the former Manchester United FC striker. "I'm looking forward to Monday, when I will be arriving in Hamburg. Hamburg are a great club with a strong team and high expectations. I have high expectations as well."

'International quality'
Labbadia is equally enthused by the intent Van Nistelrooy's acquisition shows. "Ruud has proven his quality at clubs of international quality," he said. "I'm convinced he will score important goals for HSV as well. The fact that a player like Ruud van Nistelrooy decides to play for Hamburg just shows what status this club has internationally."

Duo loaned out
Hamburg, who take on Van Nistelrooy's former employers, PSV Eindhoven, in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 on 18 and 25 February, have also loaned out two players. Defender Alex Silva will link up with Brazilian outfit São Paulo FC until 2011 and midfielder Mickaël Tavares joins Bundesliga rival 1. FC Nürnberg until the end of the season. "It's important for both players to get match practice," said Labbadia. "Hopefully they will get their time on the pitch and we wish them the best of luck."