Real Madrid players and executives have
been pleasantly surprised by the growing support for the Spanish club in
the United States.
In Southern California Real as part of its summer tour, Real Madrid is
preparing for Monday's exhibition match against the Los Angeles Galaxy
of the MLS. The merengue outfit beat Chivas de Guadalajara, 3-1, in
Chicago on Saturday.
Among the players stunned by the club's popularity stateside was England
captain David Beckham, who is accustomed to moving masses wherever he
goes.
"It's incredible, the number of fans that are following us in the United
States," Beckham told the club's web site, www.realmadrid.com. "We have
seen it in Chicago and now in LA. (Soccer) is one of the most important
sports in the world, and in the United States it now has more weight."
Proof of that came when more than 7,000 fans turned up just to watch one
of Real Madrid's training sessions, much to the amazement of club
captain Raul Gonzalez.
"We are extremely surprised by the fans' support," he said. "In the two
cities, we are seeing many fans wearing Real Madrid shirts and that
proves the importance of this club in the world."
Former Real star and current vice president Emilio Butragueno believes
the team is accomplishing the aims of its summer tour.
"We are only trying to leave a good memory of Real Madrid," he said. "Since
1990, we had not come to LA and the players know the importance of our
presence here. They are certainly enjoying the experience.
Although the presence of an international powerhouse such as Real Madrid
somewhat obscures American soccer - which already is battling
traditional American sports such as baseball and football for attention
- Butragueno said MLS welcomed his club's presence.
"Major League Soccer have thanked us," he said. "They were disappointed
that other European teams have not done this type of tour." |