Ronaldo flies into Madrid ahead of Real presentation

Real Madrid's new 47 million euros signing Ronaldo was whisked away to a secret destination after he flew into the Spanish capital.

The Brazilian striker, who was the top scorer in his country's triumphant World Cup campaign in June, arrived in a private jet at an air base just outside Madrid where he was greeted by officials of his new club.

Relaxed and smiling on his arrival, the 25-year-old was immediately ushered into a waiting car before he could make any declarations to the assembled press.

A convoy of five cars, escorted by members of the Spanish Civil Guard, sped off to an undisclosed destination where he will remain overnight.

The former Inter Milan player, who has been plagued by injury over the last three seasons, will have a medical on Monday before his official presentation as a Real Madrid player in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium at 1100 GMT.

Despite some last minute hitches Real closed the complex deal to sign the player from Inter just before the European-wide transfer deadline expired at midnight on Saturday.

Real will pay the Italian club 35 million euros plus a player valued at between 10-12 million euros or a cash equivalent in order to acquire the services of the twice winner of the World Player of the Year award.