German Schuster was announced as Real coach on Monday and has wasted no time in strengthening his squad, signing Porto defender Pepe and now Argentinian striker Saviola on a free transfer.

Saviola's contract at the Nou Camp expired on June 30th and he had been linked with a host of clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool.

Schuster told Spanish station Punto Radio: "He is young, can score goals and can give us a lot more.

"These are small details that are also good for us. The fans and the media reacted well when the news came out."

Saviola joined Barcelona in 2001 from River Plate, but after initial success, was loaned out to Monaco and Sevilla in in 2004 and 2005.

Despite attempting to fight for his place in Frank Rijkaard's side this season, Saviola's contract was allowed to run out and become available on a free transfer.

Saviola joins a select band of players who have played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, including Luis Enrique, Luis Figo and current Real coach Bernd Schuster.

Schuster insisted this was just the beginning of his spending spree and vowed to 'thrill' the fans with further purchases.

He told www.realmadrid.es: "Many players are rumoured to come, but I shouldn't really mention them because they may not join us in the end.

"We are very excited with the men we already have. The club is working hard to bring reinforcements and I think most of the players they are trying to sign will eventually join the team. We are going to have a squad that will thrill the fans."

Schuster is convinced that club captain Raul - the last remaining Galactico at the club - still has plenty to offer.

He said: "People here love Raul.

"Real Madrid has always been his club and he has given his all for it. I would like him to retire here. I think he is one of those players capable of deciding where to retire because he is a great professional who takes care of himself in order to always be in the best physical form.

"He has had some difficult years, but I am convinced his goals will help us next season. That's what he does best."

And Schuster has vowed to give a team that played defensively under Capello more licence to attack.

He said: "It is important for me to give the players more independence on the pitch, especially in attack. I want there to be a lot of movement because I like players to be in different areas of the pitch at times. We are going to bring some new players and I am sure of being able to change the style in which the team plays. I am sure we will earn good results if we play well.

"I think next year's team is going to defend further forward than last season, so that attacking players, such as Robinho, Guti and Raul, don't have to run back too much in order to defend."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365