hasta luego Los Angeles

Hola Philadelphia!

Iker said on FB that it was a gray day in L.A.  But there’s no need for any of us fans to worry about it, because we have Marcelo Sunshine!!

Madrid held their last training session in UCLA on Friday morning – the 12 days went by so quickly, no? – where they practiced shooting and tactical work before finishing with a mini-game.  Meanwhile, the injured players – Sergio Ramos, Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso and Nuri Sahin – continued with their recovery work.  The next session will be on July 26 back in Spain, at Valdebebas.

They’ll have to walk to practice from now on.

The team traveled to Philadelphia in the afternoon, the site of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Union at 21h local time, or 03h Sunday morning Spain time.  They were greeted by extreme summer weather (35 degrees and 77 percent humidity; they were lucky enough to experience the highest temperature in the city in the last 50 years) and a handful of fans upon arrival.  The weather forecast for the game is 36 degrees and 30 percent humidity, with a 55 percent chance of rain.  Let’s hope they wear the white shirts during the game!

How not to wear caps 101.

The team is staying at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and will return to Madrid as soon as the game is over.  Perhaps that’s why José Mourinho decided to go for a walk with Rui Faria and Silvino Louro at 0:30h in the morning, because they won’t have many chances to see the city.

Bonus points to Iker for at least opting for a Spanish brand…

Watch a video of the team arriving at the hotel here. José Callejón was carrying a bag from Bebe. I wonder what he bought, and who it’s for? And what was on the paper/inside the envelope that Karim Benzema had in his mouth? A drawing of a cat and dog by Mou? Instructions from the city as to the speed limits that need to be observed while driving? How to greet fans in English by Iker Casillas?

The boys also regaled us with a variety of fun photos via twitter and FB.  I love how Iker seems to have just popped in at the last second for this photo.  If Raúl Albiol weren’t in it, it would be the perfect canteranos photo.

We also got these two from the bus.  The twins are great in the back, but who do you prefer in the front, Xabi or XIT?  Both look wonderful!  I think I prefer Esteban in those sunglasses, and the carefully disheveled hair…

And of course, the 2011 edition of the Four Musketeers.  I had been wondering if they would ever reunite, and I’m so happy they did!

Lastly, MFC Álvaro Borja Morata Martín’s name is once again being linked with Getafe, so this adorable picture of MFC and Pablo Sarabia from Romania better be the only time they’re teammates this season.  And they better return to being teammates in the future.