Ronaldo And Real Madrid In Melbourne As Victoria Takes Centre Stage
Three of world football’s most powerful clubs are in Melbourne as Victoria prepares for the International Champions Cup.
Today, Premier Daniel Andrews and The Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren, joined Real Madrid stars on the world-renowned MCG, ahead of the European giant’s ICC tournament opener against AS Roma on Saturday. Roma will then play Manchester City (July 21), before Real Madrid and Manchester City clash in front of a sell-out crowd (July 24).
Some 200,000 fans are expected to pack the MCG to get a glimpse of some of the game’s top talent. Eight of the world’s top 20 players will feature when Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma contest the ICC – including Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Welsh hero Gareth Bale and Italian World Cup winner Francesco Totti.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner is arguably the most recognisable identity in world sport. He has 103 million Facebook followers – more than anyone else in the world – and averages a new “like” every second.
Real Madrid is worth $3.3 billion, making the Spanish club the world’s most valuable football team, while Manchester City has won two of the last four English Premier League titles, and Roma is among Italian football’s most decorated clubs.
The ICC comes as the clubs prepare for another European season – and they’re taking the outings seriously. Fans from all over the world will tune in to monitor their team’s progress, beaming images of the iconic MCG all over the world. More than half of tickets sold belong to interstate or overseas visitors.
No one does major events like Victoria. Our impressive calendar keeps our state buzzing, our businesses busy and our economy healthy – and that means jobs and growth. The Andrews Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an $80 million boost to Victoria’s war chest for major events.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“There are no bigger names in football than those here in Melbourne, and there’s no place for a trio of blockbusters quite like the MCG.”
“But this isn’t just about the world’s biggest players on the world’s best ground; it’s about showcasing our state to the world and growing our tourism industry.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“These are the events we want more often. Our $80 million investment in major events will help grow our impressive calendar and remain number one.”