Some 5,000-odd fans assembled at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday to give a warm welcome to Mutriku's most famous son. Illarra, meanwhile, said all the right things about what he will offer Real Madrid: "I'm a guy that gives it all every day and is constantly trying to improve. I leave everything out on the pitch, too", he claimed.

The midfielder was quick to thank the president and the Real Madrid board for bringing him to the club. "Florentino Pérez calling you is something special. He told me that they had been keeping tabs on me and wanted to sign me".

Another man Illarra had kind words for was Ancelotti, who approved the swoop for the youngster: "I'm grateful to him for putting faith in me. He's proven that he's a top coach; he's won trophies everywhere he's been and I'm sure we're going to do great with him here".

It is hard to discuss Illarra without mentioning Xabi Alonso, the 'Los Blancos' new boy's biggest hero, with whom he will now share a dressing room. "Xabi is a great player and has shown that over the years. He'll be an important teammate for me and I can't wait to share moments, training sessions and matches with him. I'll try to learn everything I can from him", he admitted, excitement written all over his face.

Finally, when asked about the player who impressed him most when he faced Real Madrid in the past, Illarramendi had no doubts: "Cristiano, he's the best in the world and you have to go all out with him".