Ramos aims to repay record fee by winning trophies

Sergio Ramos, the most expensive defender to sign for Real Madrid, says he hopes to justify the 27 million euros ($33.5 million) the club paid for him by helping them win a trophy this season.

"I can't really answer the question as to whether I'm worth the money, it would be better to ask the person who paid it," the 19-year-old told a news conference shortly after his completing his move to the club.

"What I can say, however, is that I consider myself as a player who will work hard, give of their best and I'm sure I will help bring success to Real in what is a very important season for the club."

"Ever since I was a child I dreamed of having a day like this. The fans can be sure that we will provide them with plenty to be celebrate this season."

Real paid the sum needed to buy the Spanish international out of his contract at Sevilla in a deal concluded just 10 minutes before the European-wide transfer deadline expired at the end of last week.

The deal made Ramos the sixth most expensive signing in the club's history and the first Spaniard to arrive at the club since president Florentino Perez took charge five years ago.

Only Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo, David Beckham and Nicolas Anelka cost more than the Spaniard.

Ramos brought the club's close season expenditure close to 90 million euros, with Brazilian forwards Robinho and Julio Baptista and Uruguayan duo Pablo Garcia and Carlos Diogo also joining since the end of the last campaign.

The nine-times European champions have not won a major trophy for the past two seasons, with many blaming the lack of balance in the squad.

Perez said: "We face the new season with a balanced squad and we can now count on an excellent new recruit in the shape of Sergio Ramos. Real Madrid fans love attacking football but they also respect hard work and sacrifice."