Real Madrid’s First Day Back
Mourinho & company returned to Valdebebas this morning to kick off the new campaign. Before the 10 am session, the players took their medical examinations.
Ángel di María & Álvaro Morata were the first to arrive, & La Sexta reports that Nuri Sahin was the last. Thirteen of Castilla’s men were on hand, including Morata, whose first team promotion has yet to be confirmed by the club.
David Mateos, Castilla’s recent signing, returned this summer from a loan spell at AEK Athens.
Notable absentees from today’s trainings were all of the Euro players & Marcelo, who’s preparing for the London Olympics. Ricardo Carvalho was given permission to skip, further supporting the rumor of a departure. After spending the previous season at AS Roma, Fernando Gago was back at Valdebebas. Various reports say that Gago is looking for a return to Boca Juniors, since he is not in Mourinho’s plans this season.
Silvino Louro worked with the keepers during the morning session, while Rui Faria led the others through stretching exercises & an obstacle course run. When the players returned for the 5:30 session, they participated in more intense ball work.
The club will resume training Tuesday at 10 o’clock. The first 15 minutes will be open to the press. A press conference will also be held but no confirmation on who will address the press.
- Photo gallery: training - morning / evening
- Videos: medicals - English | Spanish / morning session / evening session
In other news. UEFA published the shortlist for the 2012 Europe’s Best Player Award. The list of three finalists will be announced on uefa.com on August 14th, then a live vote will take place to reveal the winner.
- Xabi Alonso
- Iker Casillas
- Fábio Coentrão
- Mesut Özil
- Pepe
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Sergio Ramos
Moving up three places from last year, Real Madrid earned the second spot in Forbes’ list of most valuable sports teams. Real Madrid was the world’s most profitable club in 2011 & held a value of $1.88 billion.
