Heinze surprised at Madrid move

Aug 24 2007 Blue & Read, Liverpool Daily Post

Gabriel Heinze in action for Argentina. Picture: Liewig Christian/ABACA/PA Photos _180

GABRIEL HEINZE admitted that he was surprised to be joining Real Madrid after his move to Liverpool was blocked by an FA panel.

Heinze was still considering whether to launch an appeal against the Premier League decision to block his preferred switch to Liverpool when Real made their move.

He said: “I never thought this would be where I would end up, but I'm very happy.”

Argentine Heinze, also revealed he hopes to fill Brazilian Roberto Carlos’s boots.

“I think that it is impossible to forget Roberto Carlos. I have come here to give everything. What Roberto Carlos has done is impressive,” said Heinze, who does not know if he will be utilised at left-back or in the centre of defence by Real coach Bernd Schuster.

“He (Schuster) will know where I can be most useful,” said Heinze. “At Manchester United I always played at left-back and for Argentina in the middle, apart from the Copa America.”

Lyon were also interested in signing Heinze, who played for Paris St Germain in France before joining United, but the South American insists Real were the club for him.

“It is true that Lyon liked me and I am grateful for that, they are a great club,” he said.