now that’s what I call a first day

Players without shirts for their physicals, players without shirts while trying on their new clothes…

Real Madrid’s preseason started today, with 10 of the players reporting for duty on this first day – Granero, Marcelo, Garay, Benzema, Gago, Diarrá, Dudek, Lass, Drenthe and Adán.  The first order of business was their physical, which included blood and urine analysis, a weigh-in, and the chance to be photographed topless while lying on a table, among other things.  Carlos Díez, the director of Real Madrid-Sanitas’ medical services, gave all a clean bill of health.

Then the players were fitted for their official suits of the season, this time made by Pedro del Hierro (who also outfits the Spanish national team).  They tried out the leisure outfits (brown pants, black short-sleeved polo and sneakers) and got measured for suits.

Videos of the arrival here (don’t miss Marcelo and Drenthe’s shorts, and lots of nice footage of topless players is included) and the session with the tailor here (lots of nice footage of the players changing into the polos is included).

And congrats to Jerzy Dudek, who renewed his contract for one more year!