Metzelder impatient to get started at Real Madrid

MADRID, July 9 (Reuters) German centre-back Christoph Metzelder said he cannot wait to get started at Real Madrid after arriving in the Spanish capital to complete a delayed move to the Primera Liga champions.

''I'm really excited with everything that's happening and I keen to hook up with the rest of the team, I would like to start now,'' the 26-year-old Germany international told Real Madrid television today.

Metzelder, who finished his contract with Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, is expected to undergo a medical with Real on Monday prior to signing a four-year contract with the club.

He was due to be unveiled last week, but the presentation was delayed because Real had not yet named a new coach. Fellow countryman Bernd Schuster is expected to be appointed to the position later on Monday.

The lanky centre-back will be trying to fill what has become a problem position for Real in recent seasons.

Metzelder joined Dortmund in 2000, won the Bundesliga two years later and played in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Reuters SAM GC1723