Real dedicate new training facilities to fans

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez inaugurated the club's lavish new training facilities on the edge of the Spanish capital on Friday, and dedicated them to Madrid fans the world over.

Their new training base, in Valdebebas near Madrid's Barajas airport, occupies 120 hectares and is 10 times bigger than their former training ground in northern Madrid.

"This training facility is a dream made real. It is for Madrid fans all over the world," said Perez.

"It will become a symbol of the club, and will be the base from where we work day by day to continue being the most important club in history."

"We want people from every continent to come and see it so we can show them what we represent."

The facilities, which are not yet complete, will be the home of Real's first team, all the youth teams, and the club's basketball side.

Along with the 30 football pitches, gymnasium, and running track, there is a medical centre, a hydro-therapy centre, conference facilities and offices.

Club captain Raul said: "The players are all looking forward to training here. They must be the best facilities in the world. It will be our home."

Over 2,000 people attended the multi-media event including the president of the Madrid region, Esperanza Aguirre, and the mayor of Madrid Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon.

Perez has hinted in the past that the club was also considering building a theme park on the site.