FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.01.2008 12:44

2.300 people enjoy watching the first team

Vanessa Forns

Up to 2,300 Barcelona season-ticket holders and fans, with a large contingent of youngsters, didn’t miss the chance to get to the Ministadium this Thursday to witness the first team’s open doors morning training session in the flesh.

In what is now almost a Christmas tradition, Frank Rijkaard’s squad chose to have an open doors training session, giving their supporters the chance to see their idols up close. Of course, bearing in mind the Christmas holidays, a large portion of those present were youngsters, who thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Facing the chill

Wrapped up in scarves, woolly hats, jackets and coats (largely in blue and maroon), 2,300 people braced the low temperatures of Barcelona and filled some of the stand in the Ministadium to watch the first team train. Everybody, young and old, cheered the players throughout. The biggest cheer game when the squad first took to the pitch around half-past ten this morning.

Ronaldinho: tender moment

Without doubt, one of the main stars of the open doors session was Ronaldinho. The Brazilian, still recovering from tendonitis in his left knee, left the gym for a few moments and entered the Ministadium. Grinning, Ronaldinho entered the stadium with a wave to the public, who didn’t stop shouting his name or clapping him the whole time.

Ronaldinho starred in the most tender moment of the day when he approached a group of disabled supporters who were watching from pitch side. The Brazilian hugged and kissed all of them and signed autographs for everyone who asked. Another player who arrived later than his team mates and who was also given an ovation from the supporters present was Lionel Messi, who is continuing with his own recuperation.

Well received game

The game the players played at the end of the training session was the perfect excuse for the fans, especially the youngest ones, to cheer each and every player of the squad. Bearing in mind the cup game against Alcoyano on Wednesday, the session lasted an hour and a quarter.

Hospital visit

It should also be pointed out that after the session the players and staff are to visit seven Barcelona hospitals to give out those presents collected during the “Un regal per un somni” campaign. The club will give the rest of the toys collected to the FEDAIA, the federation for the care and education of infants and adolescents.