Manuel Pellegrini today described his appointment as the new coach of Real Madrid as a "dream come true".

Pellegrini was confirmed as the replacement for Juande Ramos late last night and the Chilean was officially unveiled in his new post at the Bernabeu today. Pellegrini, who had been in charge of Madrid's Primera Division rivals Villarreal since 2004, said: "It's hard to explain the emotion and pride that I feel for having been chosen to coach the most important club in the world.

When I started my coaching career 23 years ago, I knew that I would end up at Real Madrid. It's a dream come true.
Manuel Pellegrini

"When I started my coaching career 23 years ago, I knew that I would end up at Real Madrid. It's a dream come true. I feel fortunate to have been chosen for this post."

Newly-installed Madrid president Florentino Perez, who yesterday returned to the post he held for six years before resigning in 2006, said: "Pellegrini is an intelligent coach.

"He has had an excellent career, he knows our league and the Champions League, but he also has experience in South American football. He knows the pressures having coached in Argentina. Our dream is to have a spectacular team that the fans can enjoy."

Although he did not win any major silverware at Villarreal, Pellegrini enjoyed plenty of success in South America, winning trophies in Chile, Argentina and Ecuador during spells at River Plate, San Lorenzo, Liga de Quito and Universidad Catolica.