Sports

Real Madrid presents new midfielder Kovacic at Bernabeu

Real Madrid presents new midfielder Kovacic at Bernabeu

By Associated Press

Real Madrid's coach Rafael Benitez looks on before their Santiago Bernabeu Trophy soccer match against Galatasaray at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, August 18, 2015. REUTERS/Juan Medina

MADRID: Real Madrid officially presented new midfielder Mateo Kovacic to fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium Wednesday. President Florentino Perez said that although the 21-year-old Kovacic is young, he is experienced and possesses great talent. Perez said Kovacic was the fifth Croat to join Madrid, where countryman Luka Modric is a midfielder. Kovacic thanked Madrid for its support, adding 'Hala Madrid,' before posing alongside his parents, sister and girlfriend with his No. 16 shirt. Earlier, the player passed a medical examination and signed a contract, the club said. Madrid acquired Kovacic from Inter Milan on Tuesday in a bid to bolster its already talent-filled midfield, with the Spanish league season about to start.