Spain leave their Women’s World Cup base in New Zealand after claiming it was too boring – with town’s mayor then inviting them on a night out

The Spanish women’s football team has reportedly left their base in Palmerston North after they became bored – prompting the mayor of the New Zealand city to invite the team for a night out on the town.

A media report on Saturday cited that boredom was a key reason behind Spain’s decision to move their World Cup training base from the sleepy city of Palmerston North to Wellington.

Officials from the team said they enjoyed their stay, but a lack of things to do for players with families, particularly at night, prompted the relocation.

The Spanish Football Federation later rejected the claims, saying they moved to be closer to the stadium for their next match on Monday against Japan.

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith was surprised to learn of the reports the side was leaving and hoped they’d return so he could show them around.

A media report cited that boredom was a key reason behind Spain’s decision to move their training base from Palmerston North to Wellington

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith has invited the team back for a free night on the town

‘I’d be quite happy to show the Spanish team a night-out in Palmy,’ he told Stuff.

Smith later said that he appreciated the city was tiny compared to Madrid or Auckland, but ‘we are comfortable in our own skin’.

British comedian John Cleese once claimed Palmerston North was the ‘suicide capital of New Zealand’ when he visited in 2005 and jokingly said: ‘If you wish to kill yourself but lack the courage to, I think a visit to Palmerston North will do the trick’.

The city council later posted a tongue-in-cheek post to social media asking for another chance to impress the Spanish side.

‘Hola La Roja (Spain). We’ve heard you are breaking up with us,’ the post read.

‘We didn’t see that coming, but it’s ok. Whilst it’s one of the shortest relationships we’ve had, we’ve loved our two weeks together!

‘We hear you’re telling people we’re boring. We thought that our slow-paced life was what made you fall for us in the first place? We know we’re not boring, we could go on and on for hours about all the cool things you can do here (we’ve put some suggestions in the comments). If you’re willing to give us a second chance- we could show you?

‘We promise we’re not bitter though, we’ve loved being able to get to know you.

The city council of Palmerston North later posted a tongue-in-cheek post to social media asking for another chance to make it up to the Spanish side

Comedian John Cleese once claimed the sleepy city was the ‘suicide capital of New Zealand’

‘And, if we’re being honest- you probably could tell our hearts were always elsewhere

‘Good luck for the rest of the tournament- you’ll continue to be our second favourite team and we’ll cheer for you with all we’ve got!’

It’s not the first time the Spanish side has created headlines in New Zealand, with the team issuing an apology before the tournament began after a video emerged of players making fun of the iconic haka dance.