Real Madrid are set to play in Australia as part of their pre-season preparations next year, it has been confirmed.
The 10-time European Cup winners will take part in a mini-tournament at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground between July 18 and 24, along with a yet unnamed Italian and English club.
Speculation in the press suggests the teams Los Blancos will face are likely to be Manchester City and Inter Milan. City have close ties with Melbourne City FC, who play in the A-League and are under the same ownership as the Manchester-based side.
Damian Drum, sports minister for Victoria, revealed news of Real Madrid’s participation in the tournament and said fans Down Under would be thrilled to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez play in their country. The tournament is likely to bring in 50 million Australian dollars to the local economy, Drum added.
Shortly after the announcement, Australian media asked John Aloisi, the former Osasuna and Alaves striker what he thought of the news. And the ex-Socceroos man said fans would be thrilled.
“I got to play in Spain for six years and experience how big Real Madrid were,” he said.
“They buy the biggest players in the world and make it work. Watching them live is another experience. I can’t wait.”
