FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.03.2007 13:49

Barça return European crown

FC Barcelona have handed back the European Cup trophy to UEFA in Athens in an exibition of ‘fair-play’ from the reigning champions.

As tradition dictates since 1997, the European Club Champions give back the trophy prior to the quarter final draw so that it may be put on display in the city hosting the final. A delegation from FC Barcelona travelled to Athens - the venue for this years final to return the trophy that had been on display at Barça’s museum since May 17th.

The Barcelona delegation was led by president Joan Laporta who travelled to Greece along with technical secretary Txiki Begiristain, director Albert Perrín and player Ludovic Giuly, who is suspended from the classic against Real Madrid.

‘Fair-play'

The French winger was charged with the duty of handing back the trophy to the UEFA President, Michel Platini. The act took place just before the draw for the quarter finals. Giuly described the triumph last season as “magnificent and historic”.

After showing a video clip of the Paris final last year and the subsequent celebrations, Giuly was then called onto the stage where he handed the cup to Michel Platini. From the hands of the UEFA president the cup was passed on to the mayor of Athens, Nikitas Kaklamanis. The trophy will be displayed in the Greek capital until the final on the 23rd of May

A night to remember

Giuy recalled the night of the 17th of May 2006 when Barça defeated Arsenal in the final of the Champions League: “I’m proud to have played in the final and to contribute to the victory.” The match had special signifance for the Barça number 8 as it was played at the Stade de France in Paris: “It was very special to play in front of my family and friends as I’m French and played many years in France. To be able to take to cup back to Barcelona was great.”