MADRID, Spain - Invitations are flooding in for the freed Chilean miners to visit leading European and Latin American soccer teams.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez invited the 33 to visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium "to celebrate their lesson of life" while Manchester United is planning a similar reception.
Former Argentina coach Diego Maradona sent a message saying the miners' liberation after 69 days underground "was proof that miracles exist and you are one of them." Boca Juniors coach Claudio Borghi said he would love to share a cup of tea with the men.
One of the miners, Franklin Lobo, used to be a professional player and celebrated his release by demonstrating his skills with a soccer ball. Another of the men, Omar Reygadas, unfurled a Colo Colo team banner.
