Lopez ready to repay Real trust

By FOX Sports Staff

Madrid wrapped up a deal to sign goalkeeper Lopez from Sevilla on a four-and-a-half year contract following a long-term injury to skipper Iker Casillas.

The 31-year-old Lopez came up through the youth ranks at Madrid - mainly playing back-up to Casillas - before making his name first at Villarreal and later at Sevilla.

"I am delighted to be back at my home and at my club and I am really happy to be here," Lopez said at his unveiling.

He added: "I have many first division and European games under my belt and that reassures me and makes me confident in my abilities and strengths as a player."

"I know what I can bring to the team. When Real Madrid sign a player, they trust him and I think that it very important."

Lopez admitted the transfer from Sevilla had come as surprise but once the chance to return to the Bernabeu had materialised, he wanted to take it with both hands.

"I had no contact with anyone from Real Madrid; when my agent told me about it, I had absolutely no hesitation," he said.

"I always said that it was a shame when I left; I had to leave for reasons at that time and returning here is an opportunity and a great challenge for me."

On the subject of the recent controversial rotation policy of Real's goalkeepers under manager Jose Mourinho, he said: "I have been an outsider looking in."

"When a change is made, it is the decision of the gaffer and you should always respect his decision because he is the boss.

"Iker has obviously earned everything he has achieved, but football is about the present and we must all be on our toes. No-one can afford to lose their focus."

Antonio Adan is now set to compete with Lopez for a starting berth at the Bernabeu.

Real next play Barcelona on Wednesday in a blockbuster El Clasico semi-final in the Copa del Rey. The first leg will be played in the Spanish capital.