The International Champions Cup is officially underway with Real Madrid unveiled to a packed media conference at AAMI Park this morning, followed by their first training session.
All of the club’s megastars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Pepe, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and new signing Danilo all trained, with new manager Rafa Benitez watching on curiously.
Steadily picking up the intensity throughout the session, the players participated in short, sharp passing exercises before integrating into some match-style practice.
Despite the players landing in Melbourne only late last night after a mammoth 25-hour flight, the degree of sharpness throughout the session was clear to see for all.
Earlier, the Hon. John Eren, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events welcomed Real Madrid third Vice-President Pedro Lopez Jimenez to Melbourne, before exchanging gifts.
“Real Madrid are one of the most iconic sporting teams of any code,” said Minister Eren.
“Victoria’s reputation will be enhanced by yours. Real Madrid is the biggest football club in the world.
“We’re very humbled to have you here and hope to see you many more times.”
The Real Madrid players arrived in Melbourne last night and will take part in two ICC exhibition matches over the next week and a half, with matches against Roma on Saturday night and Manchester City Saturday week.
Speaking in fluent English, Lopez Jimenez spoke highly of Melbourne as a sporting hub and said the club was excited about playing at the MCG in front of a boisterous local crowd.
“Real Madrid are proud of being a universal club and so proud of having fans everywhere in the world,” he said.
Real Madrid first official training session. #ICCAustralia2015 https://t.co/Sa8BcHFbFm — Outside90 (@Outside90) July 14, 2015
“It’s our first time in Australia and Melbourne is the right place to come. Melbourne was the host of the Olympics in 1956, practically straight after the Second World War they came here.
“And it’s not only the sports but the cultural capital of Australia, so it was time for Real Madrid to come to Australia and Melbourne was the best place.”
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