NBA fever was taking over this week with footballers from around the globe getting excited about Game 1 of the playoffs between San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat.
Now most of the club seasons have finished for players in Europe, they are taking to the TV screens to watch North America's top sport, in between international duties of course.
Chelsea's Demba Ba, who has been doing some travelling, was looking forward to opener in Miami.
Back to paris. After a lovely week in turkey. Next step... Senegal, dakar, very soon :) Until then enjoy the gameSAS @ MIAMIThanks antalya — Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) June 7, 2013
With Barcelona's Gerard Pique tipping Spurs and Tim Duncan to get the job done.
Spurs to win! Tim Duncan MVP! #NBAFinals — Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) June 7, 2013
And the NBA craze was also taking over Chelsea and Spain ace Juan Mata.
#NBAFinals!! instagram.com/p/aPP53fECBo/ — Juan Mata García (@juanmata10) June 7, 2013
Manchester City's David Silva was also in Miami to view the big game.
On my way to the American Airlines Arena to watch the big final of the NBA #MiamiHeat#SanAntonioSpurs — David Silva (@21LVA) June 7, 2013
Away from the polished floorboard of the NBA, players were also busy showing their gratitude and wishing well former teammates, coaches and peers, whilst some were missing out on important matches and others were adding to their already unbelievable wealth.
Florent Malouda paid tribute to former Chelsea teammate Michael Ballack.
Great night of football with M.Ballack the German legend !!! #respect#kaiser — Florent Malouda (@realflorentm) June 5, 2013
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand can't understand why some clubs don't get in contact with former England and Tottenham boss Glenn Hoddle.
Baffles me Why owners of manager less clubs are not picking up the phone and at least talking to Hoddle??? He is a Great coach #innovative
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 5, 2013
Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen was disappointed to miss Belgium's World Cup qualifier with Serbia on Friday.
Big game coming up against Serbia on Friday. Unfortunately I won't be able to play due to injury. #WC2014#Belgium. — Thomas Vermaelen (@T_Vermaelen05) June 5, 2013
Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted to add another sponsor to his ever-growing list.
Happy to be part of Team @herbalife - nutrition for a better life :) twitter.com/Cristiano/stat — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 5, 2013
Ferdinand also took to Twitter to wish new Barcelona signing Neymar all the best.
Good luck to @njr92 on the next stage of ya career! Lets see u dazzle Europe now! — Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 5, 2013
Dutch players, led by Everton's John Heitinga, had fun with the locals on their trip to Jakarta.
#knvbinsider So much fun with the kids who won the Jakarta cup! @rvanwolfswinkel @sneijder101010#Lenstwitter.com/Johnheitinga/s — John Heitinga (@Johnheitinga) June 6, 2013
And Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng took time to thank departing manager Jupp Heynckes.
Thanks to Jupp Heynckes for being an amazing Coach and greatful for everything i learned from u ! I wish u all the best — Jerome Boateng (@JB17Official) June 6, 2013
