Chance to play for Real too good to miss says Dudek

MADRID, July 20 (Reuters) Former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek said the chance to play for Spanish champions Real Madrid was an opportunity he could not let pass, as he was presented as their new player today.

''When I left Liverpool I thought I would never get the chance to play for a big team again. First I was surprised when Real approached me, but then I thought I'll do it because they might need an experienced goalkeeper to compete with Iker Casillas,'' Dudek told a news conference.

''Everyone told me you can't say no to Real Madrid.'' The 34-year-old Polish international, who famously helped Liverpool win the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005 with his 'rubber legs' penalty saves, only played a handful of games for the club after that match.

The arrival of Pepe Reina relegated him to the bench at Anfield, and in moving to the Spanish capital as a free agent he now appears set for a similar experience behind another Spaniard, Casillas.

Dudek, who has won more than 50 caps for Poland, spent six years with Liverpool after joining them from Feyenoord in 2001.

He is Real's fourth signing of the close season after defenders Christoph Metzelder and Pepe, and Argentine striker Javier Saviola.

New coach Bernd Schuster leads the squad to Austria on Sunday for their pre-season training camp.

REUTERS BJR BD1910