Dudek accepts understudy role at Real Madrid

New Real Madrid signing Jerzy Dudek accepts he will play second fiddle to No1 goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The former Liverpool keeper signed with Real last week on a Bosman and said: "We make a very good pair. We have formed a good relationship from the beginning. We knew ourselves as keepers and we have respect for eachother.

"Madrid called me because it wanted a second keeper with experience. From the beginning they said to me: 'We want you to know that we have Iker'. And I accepted those conditions.

"Iker is very good in the line of goal and in one against ones. Also he is one of the captains and that indicates his great personality. Of course I am happy to have got to know him. I hope to become a friend of his as I have been with Pepe Reina (at Liverpool)."