Real Madrid wraps up $100 million spending spree

• Reuters, Thursday, August 19, 2010 3:53 AM

Real Madrid wrapped up the signing of German World Cup star Mesut Ozil, the sixth and final player signed in a summer spending spree for young talent that cost the Merengues $100 million. Their other signings: Sami Khedira, Pedro Leon, Angel di Maria and Sergio Canales, all 23 or younger, as well as Chelsea veteran Ricardo Carvalho.

Ozil credited new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho with convincing him to leave Werder Bremen. "What we spoke about will remain between him and me but that’s why I am here," said the 21-year-old midfielder.

“We view him as the last arrival for the new season," said  Real director general Jorge Valdano of Ozil.  “We have made a huge effort to bring young players into the team. Five of our six signings are 23 and under, and we are very pleased with the outcome for the club’s future. We weren’t asked to look for a third striker, but with Ozil’s arrival we can play in a number of different ways.”

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