Champions League winner Real Madrid to open camp at Impact’s training centre

MONTREAL – Last year it was Chelsea. Next month, the Montreal Impact’s training centre will host UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid.

The Impact announced Friday the Spanish club will begin it’s pre-season training at their east end facility July 17-26 to prepare for the International Champions Cup, which begins July 23 in various U.S. venues. Training sessions are not open to the public.

“We’re extremely proud and delighted that the most decorated team in the world has chosen our facility for its preparation,” Impact president Joey Saputo said in a statement. “It truly speaks of the quality of our installations.”

The site includes four fields — two grass and two artificial turf.

Manager Zinedine Zidane’s lineup includes such stars as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos. Right back Danilo and goalkeeper Keylor Navas, both coming off heel surgery, are expected back for the start of camp.

Chelsea began it’s pre-season training last summer at the same facility, although the it didn’t prove lucky for the 2014-15 Premier League champions. They dropped to 10th place this season.