09.01.2011 14:23

Players delighted with open training

Marc Guillén / Vanessa Forns

FC Barcelona's first-team players enjoyed the training session in front of the supporters on Sunday as much as the 15,000 fans that were in the Miniestadi to see their idols be put through their paces.

The Blaugrana stars usually train in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with only the coaching staff looking on, but the day after the win against Deportivo La Coruña the stars worked out with an excitable crowd looking on. Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat showed the session live on television and the internet so thousands more could see the proceeding at home.

Keita praise

"It is great to see all the children wanting to be so close to the players," Seydou Keita said after the session. With the majority of the crowd made up of kids, the Mali midfielder was clearly impressed by the youngsters' enthusiasm. "The atmosphere was great," he added. "This is just further proof that Barça is different and that there is no other club like this."

Abidal enjoyment

Éric Abidal was also delighted with being able to see the fans. "It is great to see everyone like this," he commented. "It was a spectacular day and I think we all enjoyed it." The French defender did not think that it should become a regular thing though. "With the noise it would not be possible to train like that all the time."

Piqué delighted

"It has been a day to remember," Gerard Piqué stated. "It was a real pleasure to be able to train in front of so many people and to see how connected they are with the team. It also showed just how many people, especially youngsters there are that follow the team. It was just a shame that it was impossible to speak to everyone."

Afellay impressed

Ibrahim Afellay has only just joined Barça and he was stunned by the turnout. "This club is enormous and has some incredible fans," he said. "I want to enjoy myself here and aim to continue doing what I have been."