Canales Sr.: Sergio wanted Madrid move

(GSM) – Real Madrid’s latest signing Sergio Canales always regarded Santiago Bernabeu as his preferred destination, according to the player’s father.

Madrid have confirmed that they had won the race in signing the Racing Santander forward, agreeing a deal that will see the youngster move to Bernabeu on a six-year contract this summer.

While a host of big-name clubs were linked to Canales, after a series of eye-catching performances, it appears Madrid were always the teenager’s top choice.

“He’s had it very clear from the start, he wanted to play at Real Madrid,” said Angel Canales, the player’s father and representative.

“I never put my son up for auction as some have said. For me I was obliged to listen to all the clubs, simply out of courtesy. I’ve never asked for anything.”

The Santander-born Sergio Canales, having made only a handful of appearances for Racing’s first team last season, has enjoyed a fine run of goalscoring form in the past few months.

In his last seven Primera Division matches he has netted five goals, while he also netted another goal in Racing’s 5-1 aggregate demolition of Osasuna in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals last month.

Angel Canales added in AS: “I have to admit that I’ve been surprised by the progress of Sergio. A few months ago he was playing in the Segunda Division B and now look at him. He’s been fortunate to have scored some high-quality goals and that’s what sells.”

No fee has officially been confirmed for the transfer, but media reports in Spain suggest Madrid will initially pay in the region of €5 million for Canales.

Racing president Francisco Pernia said: “It’s been the best solution both for the player and for Racing. We are happy with the agreement. We’ve put in a series of success-related clauses that I’m sure will also benefit us.”