London: Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero on a three-year deal, reuniting manager Louis van Gaal with a player who helped bring him a Dutch title but also caused him World Cup heartache.
The 28-year-old, who played under Van Gaal at Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, joins United as a free agent after leaving Sampdoria at the end of his contract. "To play for the biggest club in the world is a dream come true for me," he told United's website.
Good morning, Europe! While you were asleep, we signed Sergio Romero... http://t.co/veVu578Q7g #WelcomeRomero pic.twitter.com/czvBgJpQKz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2015"Louis van Gaal is a fantastic manager and I cannot wait to get started on this new and exciting challenge in my career," Romero added.
Romero, who has an option for an additional year on his contract, has joined United on their pre-season tour of the United States, where they beat Barcelona 3-1 on Saturday. "Sergio is a very talented goalkeeper. He was a young keeper during my time at AZ Alkmaar and I am delighted he is joining Manchester United," Van Gaal said.
Louis van Gaal speaks exclusively to #MUTV about new signing Sergio Romero. http://t.co/Qcx0vHUtvP pic.twitter.com/acWifO2LBZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2015Romero and his new manager also crossed paths at last year's World Cup, where Argentina eliminated the Van Gaal-coached Netherlands in a semifinal penalty shootout.
"He had a fantastic World Cup last summer in Brazil, although that is something I have put to the back of my mind. He will be a great addition to the team and I am looking forward to working with him once again," Van Gaal added.
Romero, 28, played under Louis van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar between 2007 and 2009. #WelcomeRomero pic.twitter.com/Y6kEEW9ryz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2015Romero's arrival is expected to herald the departure of United's backup Victor Valdes, who was left out of the tour party and told to leave the club due to a row with the manager.
Van Gaal said Valdes had refused to play for United's reserve team, a claim disputed by the Spaniard.
Speculation also continues over the future of first-choice United keeper David De Gea, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the La Liga team's defender Sergio Ramos heading to the English side as part of a swap deal.
"I know him (Romero) very well and I think in our situation, if De Gea is going or not going, it is always a threat and we have to take care, make sure that we are prepared and that is why I think it is very good that Sergio Romero is now a Manchester United player," Van Gaal added.
BREAKING: We're pleased to announce Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has signed on a three-year deal #WelcomeRomero pic.twitter.com/rnFiZXvoxH
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2015United cap their United States tour on Wednesday against Paris St-Germain, who are reportedly keen on signing the Premier League club's unsettled midfielder Angel Di Maria.
The Argentine did not travel with United on their tour, with Van Gaal admitting he "does not know why".
Romero becomes United's fifth close season signing following the arrivals of Italy defender Matteo Darmian, Dutch forward Memphis Depay, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and German skipper Bastian Schweinsteiger.
