Gravesen praised after Real Madrid debut

Danish midfield player Thomas Gravesen debuted with Spanish bastion Real Madrid on Sunday, entering the field when 23 minutes remained of his new club´s game against Real Zaragoza.

Real Madrid´s fans welcomed Gravesen warmly as he replaced Luis Figo and entered the game alongside Zidane, Beckham and Carlos.

David Villa scored the first goal for Real Zaragoza, but was soon matched by Raul, Ronaldo and Owen.

Gravesen, who gained himself the nickname "Mad Dog" in English media during his time with Everton, received only praise from his new team.

"It was a splendid debut," David Beckham said after the match. "He´s a very strong player who´s also good with his feet, like he showed clearly in the match."

"I think it was a fine debut," Real Madrid´s manager, Vanderley Luxemburgo, said. "I could see that he looked a lot around himself at his teammates because he´s not quite sure of his role, which is different from what he had with Everton, but he did a good job. I decided to give him his debut tonight because I wanted to try him together with Beckham and Solari in midfield to give Zidane a free hand."

Gravesen, who signed the deal on Friday, told Danish reporters he was delighted with his debut.

"It´s a great feeling and I´m happy and proud," he said. "It´s a very big day for me and I got great support from the club´s fans, which I really needed."

The three-year deal grants Gravesen an annual salary of DKK 20 million.