FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.08.2008 23:14

First team presentation

Anna Segura

Lights and fireworks welcomed the first team players on their official presentation to the fans. Puyol, Xavi, Eto'o and Alves, as well as Josep Guardiola, received the biggest cheers.

At half past nine the lights in the Nou Camp were switched off and fireworks lit the night as the first team were officially presented to the public. Those fans who filled the stands in the first few minutes were given the chance to see the Barcelona crest reflected onto the pitch, while in the background, Beth and Monica Green could be heard singing over the stadium loudspeakers.

Seven key words

Following this, actress Marta Bayarri’s voice rang out in the stadium with seven words to define the upcoming season: football, camaraderie, involvement, commitment, sportsmanship, persistence and solidarity. These were the terms which were left hanging in the air over the Nou Camp grass.

Long awaited moment

But the moment everyone was waiting for came with the presentation of the 2008/09 squad. The first to run out onto the pitch were those players from the youth team; Sergi Busquets, Jeffren, Víctor Vázquez, Víctor Sánchez and Córcoles. Later, came Puyol, Jorquera, Abidal, Gudjohnsen, Valdés, Iniesta, Sylvinho, Pinto, Touré, Xavi, Bojan, Márquez, Eto'o and Henry. All of them were well received, though the biggest cheers went to Puyol, Xavi and Eto'o.

Also mentioned over the PA system were Milito (recovering from his injury in Argentina) and Messi (with his national team at the Olympics).

Welcome to the new signings

The new signings were given their first opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Barça fans. First out was Hleb, followed by Cáceres, Keita, Piqué and Dani Alves. Indeed, the Brazilian was another who received one of the night’s biggest cheers.

The presentation continued with the backroom and technical staff. The last to take his place on the pitch was Josep Guardiola, who received a huge ovation from the fans.

The words of Puyol and Guardiola

Carles Puyol and Josep Guardiola had a few words for the fans. The Catalan defender welcomed the new signings “who have arrived with a lot of enthusiasm and motivation, just like the rest of the team”. He finished by saying that “if we are more united than ever, then we will give it our all and with your support I’m sure we will be in the fight for trophies”.

An emotional Guardiola also had some words for the fans: “”We know that it depends on us whether you come to matches. It’s a great challenge for us”. And he promised “I give you my word that we will make the effort. I don’t know if we’ll win but we will persist”. He finished by welcoming the new season “in your home. Fasten your seatbelts. It’ll be a great ride”.