Today’s training session was closed to the press, so we won’t get too much information about it.  However, there were lots of other things going on to distract us!  First up was El Pirata and the presentation of his Esteban Granero Technification Center (that’s the direct translation from Spanish).  The center, established with the help of the Real Madrid Foundation and the Las Rozas Sports Club, is a non-profit center for young footballers where they can develop their sporting talents, enjoy themselves and receive help in becoming a professional footballer, with the mission of making sure that young talents receive the necessary support in order to develop and succeed, regardless of economic background.

Esteban himself said, “I am in debt to Real Madrid for what I’ve learned here.  I grew up in this club and I believe that education shapes your future.  Real Madrid gives you some important values that help you matures as a person and as a footballer.”  The thinking behind the center is to “give opportunities to everyone that deserve them for their talent.”

For more information, go here.  I love that the young players who will form part of the center are called “Los Piratas de Esteban Granero!”

Meanwhile, other Madrid players, including our favorites Iker, Xabi, Sergio, Albiol, Benzema… handed out prizes to contest winners of club fan magazines Hala Madrid and Hala Madrid Junior.  Kaká and Albiol seem to be recovering well!  They made those poor fans show up at 8:30h in the morning.  Can’t wait to see Iker wear the bright green jersey!  Go here for a video.

And Pepe spoke with the club web site, on the occasion of the end of his recovery from the knee injury last December.  He thanked his supporters, saying, “I don’t have words to express my gratitude.  I think the best way to repay these people is to work on the field, to do my job and help Real Madrid.  If I help out the club, I help out each and every one of these persons.  In that way, I can demonstrate that I’ve recovered and that I can do my job.  That’s how I’ll thank all of these people for their support.”