English second-tier outfit Bournemouth on Tuesday announced that they are to host Spanish super club Real Madrid in a glamour friendly game later this month.
The south coast side, who secured promotion to the Championship last season, will take on Carlo Ancelotti's team at Dean Court on July 21.
"Real Madrid are at the pinnacle of global sport and to host them will be an honour for the squad, management and supporters of AFC Bournemouth," chairman Eddie Mitchell told the club's official website.
"We are honoured to have been handpicked by Real Madrid to be their hosts in this landmark moment for the Football League (which is celebrating its 125th anniversary), and we will do everything to ensure the game goes down in history."
The match against Bournemouth will mark the start of Madrid's pre-season campaign and precedes a tour of the United States.
"The friendly match will be a fantastic opportunity for both teams and we are looking forward to travelling to Bournemouth and to the Goldsands Stadium," said former Madrid star Emilio Butragueno, who is now the club's director of institutional relations.
"We look forward to the challenge presented to us by our English opponents."
Bournemouth's former players include Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe and former AC Milan forward Luther Blissett, while Manchester United great George Best played a handful of games for the club in 1983.
The Cherries were once coached by current Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp, who masterminded a shock victory over Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup in 1984.
Source: AFP
