midweek chatter
There’s been nothing too exciting in the world of Madrid this week, but hey, at least the dancing is back! El Pirata looks a bit lonely back there though. Photo from today’s training session. But here’s a bit of the least boring news so far this week to tide you over until this weekend’s game against Xerez.
– poor Benzema, since he’s out for about a week and it looks like he will miss the return to Lyon. It’s always big to play against your former team at their home, especially if you left on good terms, so I’m sure he’s disappointed that he will be missing that match.
– the world’s number one chess player, Magnus Carlsen, was at the Bernabéu for last week’s game against Espanyol. See several Madrid players absolutely looking thrilled to pose with him here. The photographer also needs to learn how to focus and/or use flash.
– today’s Marca has a feature on the restaurant that provides Madrid with pizzas for eating after games in Madrid, whether it’s at the Bernabéu or another stadium. This started in 2007, and the restaurant Totò e Peppino was selected based on the recommendation of Cannavaro, who used to go there 3-4 times a month. Ruud was also a good client, and the pizza guys would always prepare a special one for him featuring Nutella, which he would bring home, whenever they delivered to the Bernabéu. (Original) Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cassano, Pepe and Saviola have also been clients. Cassano even tried out his luck in the kitchen and the bar, and insisted on waiting on attractive girls in the restaurant. The postgame order is always for 15 pizzas (6 margarita, 4 prosciutto and 5 tuna), which have to arrive 20 minutes before the game ends. The tuna one is the favorite of Metzelder, and it was he who recommended it.
– Caroline Celico, Kaká’s wife, is the new face of the Fiat 500 in Spain.
– Pipa (Jorge Higuaín), Pipita’s father, said in an interview that Gonzalo will be staying at Madrid, that the fans love him and that he (Pipita) loves the fans as well. Jorge, his wife and one of their younger sons were at the Bernabéu for the Espanyol game, and were very touched when Gonzalo received such a great reception from the fans upon checking in. We also find out that when Gonzalo was 10 months old, he had life-threatening meningitis.
– at a screening of the movie “Invictus” and a chat afterward yesterday, Raúl told us that he has always admired Emilio Butragueño and dreamed of being like him. He also talked about Gago: he was very upset the first couple of days, and they had to give him their support and affection, and that he thinks Gago will end up with some playing time this season.
– and speaking of Raúl, last week he was in Barcelona filming something for Adidas, and he had dinner with Pep Guardiola and their wives, Mamen and Cristina, respectively. They’ve been friends since playing on the national team together, way back – I remember those days! And how cute is it that they’ve remained close? And, I love Pep!!!!
