"The club has made some great signings. That's what we had to do, build the house from the foundation up," the Spanish international keeper told As in allusion to a vastly-remodeled squad following the departures of veterans such as David Beckham and Roberto Carlos.

German coach and former Real -- and Barcelona -- star Bernd Schuster has also arrived from modest Madrid suburbs side Getafe after carving out a reputation as an ambitious manager who puts a premium on entertaining football.

The more austere style of title-winning predecessor Fabio Capello earned the Italian the sack.

Real have spent 30 million euros (40 million dollars) on Brazilian defender Pepe, and have also brought in German defender Christoph Metzelder and mercurial Argentine striker Javier Saviola, who arrives on a free transfer from Barcelona.

Marca magazine said Monday the club also wanted Ajax star Wesley Sneijder.

Casillas, who has twice won the Champions League with Real and has made more than 250 league appearances since breaking in the side as a teenager, himself has to keep on his toes after Liverpool keeper Jerzy Dudek said Real had made him an offer.

Dudek secured European glory of his own with the Anfield giants in 2005 before losing his place as coach Rafael Benitez preferred Spaniard Pepe Reina.

Now 34, the Pole should provide cover but Casillas, still only 26, is on his mettle.

"I am happy to see reinforcements arrive for goalkeeper or any other position. It will bolster competition as nobody here can be sure of a starting place," said Casillas, who has spent much of his summer break doing charitable work in poverty-stricken Sierra Leone.

"That was incredible. We are not conscious of how badly off people are over there. We (players) are privileged and being Real Madrid goalkeeper enabled me to get over there. It makes you very sad but it is a highly enriching experience.

"They are crazy about football and I never thought the kids from the villages would recognise me. It was the first time but it won't be the last," said Casillas, who admitted he would miss Beckham and Roberto Carlos.

"That's life. The day will come in a few years when I will have to move on too."