Brazil right-back Danilo says he has realised a lifelong dream by signing for Real Madrid in a €31.5 million transfer from FC Porto.
Danilo, 23, had attracted the interest of Barcelona and his good friend Neymar attempted to lure him to the Camp Nou but the defender opted to sign a contract with Real until June 2021.
"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world," Danilo told Marca while on holiday in Belo Horizonte. "In order to play at Madrid you need to be the best. That has always been my dream.
"I think Madrid is of another dimension. I never had doubts that I would play for them."
Danilo spent the 2010-11 season with fellow Brazil international Neymar at Santos, where they won the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa Libertadores together, before he left for Porto in January 2012 and Neymar went on to sign for Barcelona in the summer of 2013.
"We are very good friends," Danilo said. "He knows better than anybody that one has to decide his future.
"He invited me [to come to Barcelona] and we spoke about it... but we only spoke once and that was it. It was a personal decision and he respected it."
Danilo helped FC Porto win two league titles in his three years with the club and now says he is prepared to deal with the pressure that awaits him at the Bernabeu under new boss Rafa Benitez.
"To have arrived to this stadium is the culmination of a dream," Danilo said. "I've always identified myself with Real Madrid.
"I spoke to Benitez on the phone and we talked a little bit about the new challenge. Now we must prepare well for next season and I hope I can help the club conquer the Champions League again.
"I know what Real expect from me. I also know that I'm not going to prove my worth on the first day. I could be questioned but I'm also ready for that, and as time goes by, I will prove the type of player I am."
Danilo will also play alongside former FC Porto teammate and compatriot Casemiro, who Real re-signed this summer.
"Casemiro tells me that it's a club where they treat the players very well," he added. "It's a club where the demand is gigantic. That challenge also attracted me. I like things that make you reach your limit."