Imagine an afternoon in Milan, waiting to catch the train to Coverciano. Nicolò Barella with his ‘pala’ in hand, Juan Lebron wearing the national team jersey. Last year, the Inter midfielder was one of many footballers who turned up at the Allianz Cloud to see the padel stars up close. Yesterday, Barella met “el Lobo” again, one of the most eagerly awaited players at the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1, which began yesterday with the finals scheduled for Sunday 12th.
They had already met in the past and did it again at a club not far from the arena, and of course they didn’t show up empty-handed. Lebron gave his pala to Barella, who “replied” with an autographed number 18 national team jersey. “For El Lobo, with esteem and affection”. “Thanks, brother”, was Juan’s social media greeting. “Thanks to you, champ”, said Barella, who has been playing for Inter for years with the number 23 in honour of LeBron James but who, a few years ago, discovered padel and the other Lebron.