Cannavaro relishing challenge at Real Madrid

Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has said he is looking forward to the challenge of helping Real Madrid get back to winning ways next season

"I can't understand how a team as big as Real Madrid have not won a title for so long (three years)," Cannavaro told the Spanish sports daily Marca.

"They are the biggest and the best and will return to being winners. I have signed for them to win things and to help Real Madrid be even bigger."

Last Wednesday the Primera Liga club said they had agreed a deal with Juventus for the 32-year-old centre-back and his Brazilian team-mate Emerson.

"Real are the type of club where you are expected to win every game.

"For a player who wants to be the best it is stimulating to feel the pressure to defend their interests," he said.

Cannavaro will link up with his former coach at Juventus, Fabio Capello, who swapped Turin for Madrid earlier this month.

"He is a demanding coach who is always looking to be the best," he said.

"He has the experience and know how to turn a team into champions. It is good we have him but we will have to work hard because it won't be easy."

Cannavaro's presentation is being planned for Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Real's Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos is expected to resolve his future with the club this week with Spanish media putting Olympique Lyon's French international Eric Abidal in the frame as a potential replacement if he decides to leave.

Real Madrid are reported to be still chasing Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, despite Manchester United rejecting their last offer, and Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka.