Heinze surprised to end up at Real Madrid

MADRID: Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze said he did not believe Real Madrid would be his final destination after trying to force his way out of Manchester United to join its Premiership rival Liverpool.

"I never thought this would be where I would end up, but I'm very happy," the 29-year-old Argentine told a news conference after completing a 12-million euro move to the Spanish champion.

Heinze, who made 83 appearances for United, had made it clear he wanted to leave Old Trafford at the end of last season but his attempt to force a move to Liverpool failed when a Premier League arbitration panel refused his request.