Roger Federer visits the squad and receives a shirt from his friend Cannavaro
Making the most of his stay in the Spanish capital for the Masters Series of tennis, Roger Federer found some time to make his way to Valdebebas to visit with the Madridistas. A big football fan, the Swiss star had the opportunity to watch the team train and visit the facilities.
It's quite common to see football players in the stands at tennis tournaments, but the reverse is also true. Rafa Nadal is frequently spotted at the Santiago Bernabéu being that the Spanish tennis player loves escaping to see Real Madrid play. His on-court rival, Roger Federer, also wanted to get to know Real Madrid up close and in person, and the world's number one tennis player got his chance on Sunday.
Federer is in Madrid for the Master Series of tennis that will take place between Monday 16 October and Sunday 22 October. The Swiss star took advantage of a few hours of free time to go to Valdebebas to get to know the “magnificent facilities” that play home to Real Madrid's training sessions and to personally greet players of the first team. Ronaldo, Raúl, Van Nistelrooy, and Beckham were just a few of the player who met with the ATP's number one.
Federer also had the chance to watch the opening minutes of the final training session before the White expedition heads to Bucharest for Tuesday's Champions League match against Steaua. Federer was also introduced to Fabio Capello, who he invited to go watch some of the Masters Series tennis matches later in the week.
The tennis player was delighted with his football outing and he even confessed to wanting to have been a footballer. “I'm a huge football fan. I never had the chance to meet any of the players during my first two trips to Madrid. I am thrilled that I finally got the chance to meet them and to visit the facilities. This is a dream come true. I would have liked to be a footballer had I not become a tennis player. This is very special,” he said.
Not only does Federer love football, according to him, Real Madrid “is one of the best Clubs in the world. It's amazing how they organise everything. Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but it's on my list.”. He also invited to the squad to go cheer him on during the Masters Series, stating, “I would love it if they could come to a match. It's a great tournament. I hope they can enjoy a good tennis match some day. There's a great atmosphere in Madrid.”
Federer, who might face Rafa Nadal, a huge Madridista, if they meet in the final, also analysed the tournament that begins on Monday. “I hope to get off to a good start and play well. Getting through the first rounds is the first important step. I remember playing well here three or four years ago. I hope to maintain that rhythm. Rafa has the advantage of playing at home. He's the reigning title holder and he has to defend it. Let's see if we can both play well. It's a difficult tournament for everyone.”
