Rio de Janeiro, Jun 26 (IANS): With tears in his eyes and a deep appreciation for Flamengo, which saw him grow as a professional, Vinicius Junior said goodbye to Brazil's most popular football club and said he looks forward to his arrival at Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"I am happy and honoured," said the young striker, who turns 18 on July 12 and who has signed to join the Spanish team for $52.6 million, reports Efe.

At the Flamengo training centre on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, the winger couldn't hold back his tears and told reporters with his voice shaky: "Today I'm saying goodbye to the club I love so much... I'm going after more dreams in my life."

The young striker thanked Flamengo's management, the coaches who trained him since the age of 10 and who believed in his potential, and his fans.

"What I know I learned on and off the pitch with Flamengo. "Today I'm saying goodbye to the club that did everything for me."

Despite being a little anxious about his arrival at Real Madrid, the striker said he was prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

"I'm anxious. I'm going to meet new players" and although he still doesn't know if he will play in the Real Madrid team, he said he was ready for them.

The striker, who will reportedly fly to Spain on his 18th birthday, will join Real Madrid for their pre-season training in July.