Kepa Arrizabalaga was officially unveiled at Real Madrid as their latest star after completing a loan move from Chelsea, but the Spanish international wasted little time in calling for a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Thibaut Courtois' ACL rupture on the eve of the new season sent Los Blancos reeling with the need to replace their No 1 stopper becoming a priority before the close of the summer transfer market.
Their search for a top class pair of hands took them to Chelsea, with Arrizabalaga - still the world's most expensive goalkeeper - losing his starting spot to new Blue Robert Sanchez.
'I would like to send a message of support to Thibaut (Courtois), Eder (Militao) and Arda (Guler) and I wish them a speedy recovery because injuries are the most difficult thing in our careers,' the Spaniard began on his unveiling.
'This is one of the most important and special days of my sporting career and of my life. I'm very proud to be at Real Madrid.
'I'll never be short of hard work, commitment and effort with this jersey both in training and in matches.
'I hope that we can further add to Madrid's trophy cabinet and enrich the club's legend. Hala Madrid!'
The former Athletic Bilbao star was welcomed at the club's Real Madrid City, beginning with a montage of the player's best moments and some words from president Florentino Perez.
Perez was full of praise for 'one of the best goalkeepers in the world', and described a move to the Spanish capital as one of the biggest in the 27-year-old's career.
However, scarcely a day after leaving the club on a temporary basis, Arrizabalaga was quick to indicate that he hopes not to return to Chelsea, stating: 'I really hope Real Madrid will keep me at the end of the season!'
It perhaps comes as no surprise, given that Arrizabalaga had lost his place for the opening game of the season, and has widely been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
With his contract up in 2025, it is likely that when he does return to Chelsea at the end of 2023-24 he will be able to leave on a much lower fee than the 72million the Blues paid for him.
However any permanent deal would surely be contingent on an impressive season deputising for Courtois - who will surely reclaim the gloves on his return from injury.
The Spanish titans were far from the only club interested in his services, though, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich also in the market for a goalkeeper.
Manuel Neuer's recovery from a broken leg has not come quick enough for him to reclaim his place in the side, with Yann Sommer also departing for Inter.
'Real Madrid offer? The decision has been very easy,' the Chelsea loanee is reported as having said. 'I had other important offers but Real Madrid is Real Madrid.'
Arrizabalaga will be in line to make his first appearance for his new club on the road at Almeria on Saturday as Real look to make it two wins from two to start the campaign.
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