Real Madrid completed the transfer of Mateo Kovacic yesterday and the Croatia international is thrilled to have joined “the best club in the world.”

The 21-year-old midfielder was unveiled to the media at the Bernabeu stadium after passing a medical and putting pen to paper on a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

He joins Los Blancos for an undisclosed fee after two seasons at Inter.

“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have no doubt about it,” Kovacic said to the Spanish media.

“This opportunity only comes once in a lifetime. When they told me about Real’s offer, you don’t have any doubts.

“I am young, I have a lot to learn and I hope I can give the best of me. To be able to share the changing room with such great players, it’s truly an honour.”

Kovacic, who was a reported target of Liverpool and Barcelona, had four years left on his contract with Inter but opted to move to Madrid in a reported £25 million transfer deal and is Real Madrid’s fifth summer signing.

“I hope I will not disappoint and I can meet all expectations,” he said.

“I have spoken to (Real Madrid coach Rafa) Benitez briefly and I’m delighted to be working with such a great coach.

“I know Benitez from his time at Napoli.”

Kovacic made 80 appearances for Inter since joining the Italian outfit from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2013 and will play alongside compatriot Luka Modric at Real Madrid.

“Luka Modric is a great friend and I’m very happy I will be able to play with him,” Kovacic said.

“Real Madrid have a great team and I’m looking forward to playing with Cristiano Ronaldo as well.”

Kovacic attracted the attention of top European clubs after scoring five goals and setting up three more in 35 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri in the 2014-15 campaign.

Real Madrid, who are looking to bounce back from a trophy-less year, begin the 2015-16 La Liga campaign away at Sporting Gijon on Sunday.