Real close to opening schools in Mexico, China

Real Madrid will soon open football academies in Mexico and Beijing -- the first time they have gone out of Spain.

Florentino Perez promised to open a series of Real Madrid schools around the world as part of his successful presidential campaign in 2000.

The club announced their intention to open the first such academy in Mexico last year and they now appear ready to continue their expansion into Asia.

"Florentino made the promise and now we're close to opening the schools in China and Mexico," Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano told As newspaper on Monday.

"The kids will wear Real Madrid kit, will play in the style of Real Madrid and will receive instruction from Real Madrid staff."