Real Madrid's popularity growing among Americans

Real Madrid players and executives have been pleasantly surprised by the growing support for the Spanish club in the United States.

In Southern California Real as part of its summer tour, Real Madrid is preparing for Monday's exhibition match against the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS. The merengue outfit beat Chivas de Guadalajara, 3-1, in Chicago on Saturday.

Among the players stunned by the club's popularity stateside was England captain David Beckham, who is accustomed to moving masses wherever he goes.

"It's incredible, the number of fans that are following us in the United States," Beckham told the club's web site, www.realmadrid.com. "We have seen it in Chicago and now in LA. (Soccer) is one of the most important sports in the world, and in the United States it now has more weight."

Proof of that came when more than 7,000 fans turned up just to watch one of Real Madrid's training sessions, much to the amazement of club captain Raul Gonzalez.

"We are extremely surprised by the fans' support," he said. "In the two cities, we are seeing many fans wearing Real Madrid shirts and that proves the importance of this club in the world."

Former Real star and current vice president Emilio Butragueno believes the team is accomplishing the aims of its summer tour.

"We are only trying to leave a good memory of Real Madrid," he said. "Since 1990, we had not come to LA and the players know the importance of our presence here. They are certainly enjoying the experience."

"Although the presence of an international powerhouse such as Real Madrid somewhat obscures American soccer - which already is battling traditional American sports such as baseball and football for attention" - Butragueno said MLS welcomed his club's presence.

"Major League Soccer have thanked us," he said. "They were disappointed that other European teams have not done this type of tour."