Raul Albiol will wear the number 18 shirt for Real Madrid next season but insists he is only keeping it warm for Ruben de la Red.

De la Red, who was part of Spain's Euro 2008-winning squad alongside Albiol last summer, has seen his career put on hold as doctors struggle to diagnose what caused him to collapse during a Copa del Rey match last October.

The 24-year-old De la Red has not played for Madrid since that game against Real Union and the Spanish giants confirmed yesterday that he would not be part of their squad next season after months of tests failed to identify his condition.

It is not known when, or even if, De la Red will be able to return to top-class football, but Albiol was keen not to forget his friend after being presented as a new Madrid player last night wearing the number 18 shirt.

"Ruben is a very good friend of mine, we know each other from the national team and also from the youth teams," said Albiol.

"For me it is a real honour to wear his number. When he recovers, and I'm sure he will, I will be delighted to return it to him because it's his. This season I'm going to defend his shirt the best I can."