Real are a club who have become accustomed to welcoming world stars in recent times and Raul believes the former Manchester United pair generated a similar amount of hysteria.

The Spanish giants are in Dublin preparing for the new season, with world record £80million signing Ronaldo set to make his debut against Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium on Monday.

"I was as excited when Beckham started to play with us as I am with the arrival of Cristiano," Raul said.

"I was very happy when I worked with Beckham and I think Cristiano is going to bring a lot of happiness to all the supporters. He will bring very good things and make a great contribution to the team."

Ronaldo has gone on record as saying he was worth the money Real president Florentino Perez spent to sign him, and Raul agrees.

"As regards the price paid for Cristiano, that's the price in the market," he added.

"There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos in the world and Real Madrid has made a great financial effort but Real Madrid wants the best team in the world.

"Cristiano behaves like all the rest of the team, he's a very well-loved player, one of the best players in the world.

"Women and children, they ask him for autographs and he always complies very nicely. What's important is he plays good football and he's very committed and whatever he does in his private life is his own business."

Real do not appear to have finished their summer spending spree yet and continue to be linked with Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Raul said on the subject: "I suppose that's a question for the technical team and the coach. They have to decide what's best for the Real Madrid team.

"Me personally? I would love Alonso to play with us. I think he's a great player."