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.