… and the good

In case the previous post was too depressing, here are some happier and/or more normal news items.

One. The eighth edition of the match against poverty organized by Ronaldo and Zidane was held yesterday in Athens, with the participation of Raúl Albiol and Mahamadou Diarra (Christian Karembeu also played).  The game ended in a 2-2 tie, with Zidane captaining his and Ronaldo’s side (Corinthians recommended that Ronaldo not play) and looking like he could still suit up on a regular basis.  Proceeds from the game went to help flood victims in Pakistan and earthquake victims in Haiti, as well as Greek children with handicaps.

Two. Six days of Christmas vacation are what the players have this year.  This period will start as soon as the Copa del Rey game against Levante on Dec. 22, ends (well, by the time it ends, it will be Dec. 23).  The team is due back on Dec. 28 to begin training the next day for their game against Getafe.  Gago and Kaká are expected to rejoin the team around that time as well.

Three. Pipita took to the field yesterday and ran several laps, part of the program to help him recover from his herniated disc.  He’ll undergo some tests in the next few days to see how his recovery is going.

Four. Taking advantage of his trip to adidas’ HQ to receive the World Cup Golden Glove award, Iker and his agent met with representatives from the sporting company to talk about the two sides signing an endorsement deal.  Iker has a contract with Reebok until 2013, but since Reebok is owned by adidas, there shouldn’t be any problems in that sense.  In addition, Reebok has turned away from football and is focusing more on lifestyle and fitness.  Iker was last endorsed by adidas about 10 years ago, when he was barely on Madrid’s first team.

Five. Several of the participants in the charity game organized by Iker and Figo on Dec. 23 have been revealed.  Fernando Llorente has confirmed his attendance, even though it will cut into his vacation, and I’ve also heard that Sergio Busquets will be there as well (Puyol and Piqué were apparently invited as well, though they haven’t confirmed yet).  And two illustrious ex-madridistas will play as well – Fernando Hierro (for Team Iker) and Guti!  Sergio Ramos was also invited, although his sprained knee will most likely prevent him from suiting up.  As mentioned earlier, Team Iker will be coached by VDB and Team Figo by Míchel.

Someone was very generous in Photoshop while doing Iker’s hair, no?