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New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has said he has been blown away by the amount of support for the club in China.

Los Blancos were welcomed by thousands of fans as they touched down and whenever they leave their hotels for training or commercial events, the players are surrounded by fans requesting autographs and pictures.

Prior to arriving in China, the team had been in Melbourne, Australia, with many of the players speaking about how impressed they were with the fans there.

And speaking to the media ahead of the friendly against Inter Milan, Benitez said taking part on the pre-season tour has made him realise quite how big the club is on a worldwide level.

“I’m very happy with the welcome that we’ve been given here. It has been really great; we’ve been shown real affection. Real Madrid’s stature is clear to see in China too. The people on the streets are always asking us for photographs and autographs,” he said.

Looking forward to the game against his former club, Benitez stated: “We’re here to play an important game. We’re up against a very strong, important team. Playing these types of games against opponents as important as Inter Milan is an incentive for us.”

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Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi has revealed he turned down a move to Real Madrid this summer to renew his contract at the San Siro.

The Argentine striker featured against the 10-time Champions League winners when the teams met in an friendly in China, but it could have been a different story if Los Blancos had got their way.

Speaking ahead of the game, the 22-year-old told reporters: “Real Madrid tried to sign me, but I’m happy I renewed my contract with Inter.  I’m going to play for them in the Champions League this coming season.”

The striker, who joined Inter from Sampdoria in 2013, was joint top scorer in the Italian league last season with 22 goals – something that caught Rafa Benitez’ eye when he was in charge of Napoli.

Real’s failure to sign Icardi means their search for a new forward will continue for now. Los Blancos currently have Karim Benzema as the only recognised striker in the first team and Jese Rodriguez will likely carry on in his understudy role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real lost the services of Javier Hernandez this summer though, having decided not to take up the option to sign the Mexican, meaning they are looking light up front and could dip into the market still.

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Rafa Benitez coffessed he is “very happy” with his team, following Los Blancos 3-0 victory over Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup.

“The players showed a really good attitude. That allows us to defend and continue to attack well. The team is gradually getting into good form. I am very happy,” he said at the press conference.

The Los Merengues manager praised Jese Rodriguez, who scored the opening goal: “When he gets some continuity into his game his fitness will improve because he has real quality. He is showing that he is motivated, which is the most important thing. He has a good attitude and his contribution will make us stronger.”

Analysing the defensive performance of the team, Benitez admitted there are things to improve: “Defence is not the most important aspect for me but evidently it can be improved because our attacking is very good. We are working to improve and not allow opponents to create chances against us and subsequently score.”

As usual, Benitez was asked about Sergio Ramos situation. The Spanish coach revealed he had spoken to Florentino Perez and “he said he was going to talk to Ramos.” “Both of them are optimistic so we will see what happens,” he added.

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Real Madrid earned a well-deserved victory in the International Champions Cup as they trashed Inter Milan 3-0 at Tianhe Stadium, in Guangzhou.

Jese Rodriguez, Raphael Varane and James Rodriguez scored the goals that proved Los Blancos superiority. Rafa Benitez’s men showed they are getting better every day and could have even scored more goals had it not been for goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Inter dominated the early possession and could have taken the lead in the first minutes, but Mauro Icardi missed a clear header.

Real reacted soon, but Handanovic saved his team with some excellent stops. He denied Ronaldo in a dangerous free-kick and made a fantastic double save from Isco and Jese a few minutes later.

However, Real ended up making it 0-1 before the half-hour mark. Jese received the ball inside the box and fired home a left-footed effort from close range.

Benitez made several changes at half-time, sending Navas, Gareth Bale, Ronaldo, Pepe and Sergio Ramos to the bench and throwing on Varane, Nacho, Lucas Vazquez, Denis Cheryshev and Kiko Casilla, who made his debut for Los Blancos.

The substitutes doubled Los Merengues lead in the 56th minute as Vazquez sent a cross towards Varane, who made it 0-2 with a great finish.

With two minutes to go, James Rodriguez sealed the victory with a superb free kick from 30 metres straight into the top corner.

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has said the players are getting used to new boss Rafa Benitez’ ideas and are progressing nicely in pre-season.

Los Blancos have played two games so far, against Roma and Manchester City in Melbourne. The first game they drew after 90 minutes, but lost on penalties, while they emphatically beat the Premier League side 4-1 in front of a record crowd at the MCG.

The 10-time Champions League winners continue their preparations for the new campaign in China where they face Inter Milan and AC Milan before heading back to Europe to take part in the Audi Cup in Germany.

Costa Rican keeper Navas has been given the number one jersey at the Santiago Bernabeu following the sale of Iker Casillas earlier this summer. And with the arrival of David de Gea from Manchester United looking increasingly unlikely, he will play an important role in the team this season.

Speaking to reporters, Navas told how the players are adapting under the new boss, adding that everyone needs to keep working hard.

He commented: “We’re gradually adapting to the new coach’s ideas. It gets quicker when you also win games. I’m happy to be playing again & espcially for our last victory. More minutes gives confidence, so I want to keep working hard.”

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has ruled out making a bid for Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 30-year-forward has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, where he spend six years and is still adored by the Red Devils faithful. Rumours of a possible rift between the Portuguese and Rafa Benitez have only added fuel to rumours that a deal could happen.

But speaking to the media in the USA, where United are on tour, the Dutch manager said that while the club still needs to make a stellar signing this summer, they can not afford to bring in Ronaldo. United have been busy in the transfer market this summer, signing Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Sergio Romero as the look to build on their fourth place finish last year.

“Chelsea have Eden Hazard, he can always make goals. Manchester City have Aguero, it’s the same type. Barcelona have Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. We, as Manchester United, have to compete with these clubs. So we have to look also for these kind of players. When it is possible to buy, for a reasonable price, players from that level, we shall do that, because they are better,” he commented.

And when asked about Ronaldo, he stated:”Yeah, of course. But that’s not possible. Why not? Because you have the club [Real], Ronaldo and then you have Manchester United and how much Manchester United want to spend.”

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Wales manager Chris Coleman says his star man Gareth Bale should stay at Real Madrid rather than move back to the Premier League.

The 25-year-old forward, a 91-million-euro signing from Tottenham Hotspur two years ago, came under fierce criticism from Spanish media and fans alike last season after some perceived below par performances.

Towards the end of the season, rumours started surfacing that the forward would seek a return to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea both believed to be interested in him.

That talk has died down however, and Bale has looked strong for Real in their first two pre-season games against Roma and Manchester City in Australia.

And speaking to Sky Sports, Bale’s manager at international level said he should stay in La Liga because of the quality he comes up against each week and the fact the style of play is less physically demanding.

The former Real Sociedad boss stated: “Speaking selfishly, I hope he stays in Madrid. La Liga has real quality, but the physicality is different. The Premier League is an unforgiving league and players get very tired in the second half of the season. I’ve not talked to him about it, and whatever he wants to do he’ll get out [Wales’s] 100% backing.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo will be captain of Real Madrid is Sergio Ramos leaves for Manchester United this summer, according to reports.

Deportes Cuatro claims such is Florentino Perez’ determination to keep the Portuguese at the club for the remainder of his peak years that he will break with club tradition that sees the longest serving player take the armband.

Ramos is currently the captain after the departure of Iker Casillas to Porto this summer. But it could only be a temporary measure as the Red Devils are still in pursuit of the defender and he is ready to tell Los Blancos he wants to leave.

The Old Trafford side have had a 40-million-euro offer knocked back but are ready to come back with a second bid believed to be closer to 60 million euros.

Should that transfer happen, Brazilian left back Marcelo would then normally take over the captaincy, with Pepe becoming vice captain as he’s been at the club for the second longest amount of time.

With United and PSG believed to be keen on Ronaldo – the French side are prepared to pay 120 million euros for his services – Florentino would break with tradition and give the armband to the 30-year-old to show him what he means to the 10-time Champions League winners.

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Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev says the team will be up and running and playing at 100% soon after they demolished Manchester City in Melbourne.

The Russian got himself on the scoresheet in the second half, tapping in from close range after good work from Isco. Prior to that, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe had put the 10-time Champions League winners into a comfortable position before Yaya Toure pulled a goal back.

Speaking to journalists after the game, played in front of a record crowd at the MCG, Cheryshev said there is still room for improvement and the whole point of pre-season is to work on fitness.

“The team is getting into competition mode, we will soon be 100%. The first half was good and then with the result going our way, it was easier to maintain the lead. In preseason games it is normal to note a slight slump,” he commented.

He then went on to add that he is happy to be part of Rafa Benitez’ plans at the moment and grateful for the opportunity to show what he can do on the pitch.

“I am really happy to have scored a goal. I am available for the club, I have a contract and I am very happy, so I am here for whatever the club wants me for. The coach is very attentive to everyone. I am very grateful to him,” he said.

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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale says the club is going in the right direction and will be ready for the new campaign after beating Premier League big spenders Manchester City in Melbourne.

Goals from Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Denis Cheryshev handed Madrid an emphatic 4-1 win over the Citizens in front of 99,328 fans at the MCG – a record attendance for a football game at the iconic stadium. Ex-Barcelona man Yaya Toure got City’s consolation goal.

Welshman Bale has been in good form for Madrid in their two games in pre-season so far, and is looking to put last season’s woes behind him after being heavily criticised by fans and media alike.

Speaking on the pitch after the game, the 25-year-old said he’s happy with how the preparations are going.

“Beating a side like Manchester City is a step in the right direction, but it is not the most important thing right now. We have to keep working and training to prepare well for the season,” he commented.

He then went on to praise the fans in Australia, saying the Madrid players have had a great time Down Under. Los Blancos now move on to China for the next leg of their tour.

“The fans in Australia have been marvellous and it was a pleasure to be here in a stadium with so many people,” Bale stated.

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