Drenthe determined to entertain Reading FC fans

The 26-year-old became Royals' marquee signing this summer when he was snapped up by Nigel Adkins as a free agent.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder had been released by Russian club FC Alania when they were relegated from the top division.

And while the famous dreadlocks are now gone, most Royals supporters are poised to catch their first glimpse of the flambuoyant Dutchman in Saturday's intriguing friendly against Swansea City.

And if they are half as excited as Drenthe is about the weekend, it could be a memorable occasion.

"Every day when I wake up I always think 'it's not enough yet'," said Drenthe.

"I can be better than I am and I have to show it every day. I hope in Reading I can prove myself again and be a better football player.

"Hopefully we can be successful as a team and that's what I hope for. I want to show my skills on the beautiful pitch at Madejski Stadium and be important for the club."

There is no doubt Drenthe's career has somewhat stagnated since he joined Madrid as a 20-year-old for around 14 mililion euros.

But he shone during a loan spell with Everton in the 2011/12 Premier League season and is hoping that a second stint in England will prove to be equally successful.

"The moment you play for Real Madrid, that's the only time you can explain how big it is," he explained.

"I'll never forget the things I learnt there from people like Gabriel Heinze, Fabio Cannavaro, Guti - I'll never forget that. I took that with me.

"But now I'm 26 years old and a very happy player of Reading. I always say to everybody, English football is the most beautiful football I ever saw. I think it's perfect for my style."

There is no doubt Drenthe believes he can resurrect his career with Reading after signing a two-year deal with the option of a third.

"This is my home I think," he declared. "The moment I signed I was so happy, I had my friends and my nephews on the phone and I told them how excited I was."