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Real Madrid kicks off training session in China
Kunming City, July 26: England captain David Beckham and his co-stars from Real Madrid have kicked off their week-long training session in south China.
Kunming City, July 26: England captain David Beckham and his co-stars from Real Madrid have kicked off their week-long training session in south China.
At the start of a roadshow to boost the Spanish champions' appeal in Asia, Real Madrid took to the field on Friday (July 25) for their first practice on Chinese ground. Beckham, Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Figo and the rest of the high-class team turned out for the training -- much to the joy of their Chinese fans who kept a close watch from the sides.
Around 200 reporters and 200 selected local fans in Real shirts -- all employees of the state-owned tobacco company hosting the squad -- were keen to see how the larger-than-life celebrity would fit into Real's constellation of stars.
Earlier on Friday, thousands of fans had greeted David Beckham and Real, together for the first time, on their arrival in the southwestern city of Kunming.
Real will train here for a week before a friendly against a Chinese select team in Beijing. Real fever has hit China in the weeks leading up to their arrival, jumpstarted by Beckham's move from Manchester United for a fee worth up to 35 million euro ($40.21 million US dollars) and fueled by a tirelessly opportunistic sporting paparazzi.
Young student Liu Ning (pron: lee-o ning) was eagerly follwowing the team's every move. "I like Ronaldo and Beckham most. When I watch them on television, it feels kind of unreal. But seeing them train here, I feel really excited. They're excellent," she said.
The Spanish champions -- known as "Los Galacticos" because of their galaxy of talented players -- hope the exposure will help them challenge the English Premier League's presence on jerseys, billboards and television screens in the Far East.
Real arrived by chartered jet from Madrid with an entourage comprising team chefs and Beckham's bodyguards but no wives or female companions.
Twice daily practices -- closed except to media, officials and a few hundred selected fans -- begin on Saturday (July 26). Speaking at a news conference after their first practice, the team said they were impressed by the ecstatic welcome they received in China.
"My first impression is very pleasant. A lot of people were waiting for us at the airport for our welcome. And I hope that Chinese people will be able to enjoy Real Madrid during our stay here."
Raul added that Beckham who has only just joined Real will add more strength to an already star-studded team. "This is a decision for the coach (Carlos Queiroz). I think Beckham is a great player. His arrival at the club is the same as any other players like Zidane, Ronaldo and Figo - just to mention the last ones... They are all world class players. So the coach will decide how he wants (the team) to play and which players would fit for the team to perform at the highest level."
Steve McManaman spoke about his confidence in the team's defence even after Real released Fernando Hierro in June.
"With the defenders we've got, it's a fantastic defence. I know the club are looking for more defenders at the moment, but, you know, the defenders we've had have been very successful. I know we've lost the captain Fernando Hierro, who is going to be a great loss, but the defenders we've got are excellent footballers. So all the team are very confident," he said.
The club will play friendlies in Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Bangkok during the 17-day tour and pocket 8 million euro ($9.2 million US dollars) from four matches.
Bureau Report
Young student Liu Ning (pron: lee-o ning) was eagerly follwowing the team's every move. "I like Ronaldo and Beckham most. When I watch them on television, it feels kind of unreal. But seeing them train here, I feel really excited. They're excellent," she said.
The Spanish champions -- known as "Los Galacticos" because of their galaxy of talented players -- hope the exposure will help them challenge the English Premier League's presence on jerseys, billboards and television screens in the Far East.
Real arrived by chartered jet from Madrid with an entourage comprising team chefs and Beckham's bodyguards but no wives or female companions.
Twice daily practices -- closed except to media, officials and a few hundred selected fans -- begin on Saturday (July 26). Speaking at a news conference after their first practice, the team said they were impressed by the ecstatic welcome they received in China.
"My first impression is very pleasant. A lot of people were waiting for us at the airport for our welcome. And I hope that Chinese people will be able to enjoy Real Madrid during our stay here."
Raul added that Beckham who has only just joined Real will add more strength to an already star-studded team. "This is a decision for the coach (Carlos Queiroz). I think Beckham is a great player. His arrival at the club is the same as any other players like Zidane, Ronaldo and Figo - just to mention the last ones... They are all world class players. So the coach will decide how he wants (the team) to play and which players would fit for the team to perform at the highest level."
Steve McManaman spoke about his confidence in the team's defence even after Real released Fernando Hierro in June.
"With the defenders we've got, it's a fantastic defence. I know the club are looking for more defenders at the moment, but, you know, the defenders we've had have been very successful. I know we've lost the captain Fernando Hierro, who is going to be a great loss, but the defenders we've got are excellent footballers. So all the team are very confident," he said.
The club will play friendlies in Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Bangkok during the 17-day tour and pocket 8 million euro ($9.2 million US dollars) from four matches.
Bureau Report