FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.08.2008 05:13

Who will replace Deco?

David Saura (Special correspondent)

Who will replace Deco was one of the questions put to the FC Barcelona players during a promotional even organised by Nike for under-privileged children in Chicago, the Blaugrana's first stop on their trip to the United States.

With all the innocence of youth, there were no hidden agendas or front page headlines being though about when the questions began to flow at Niketown in the Windy City. A group of children from a disadvantaged area of Chicago were able to meet some of the Barça squad and ask them anything that they wanted.

Big introduction

Just before 5pm local time, the entire FC Barcelona squad went to the Niketown outlet where a large group of kids were waiting for their heroes and they took to a stage mounted at the back of the shop, while a speaker introduced them all one-by-one.

Puyol and Márquez

After some words of thanks and a welcome from Carles Puyol and Rafa Márquez, two of the players most sought after along with Xavi and Thierry Henry, the floor was thrown open for questions to be put to the players. The first one went to Márquez as he was asked what his favourite move on the pitch was and after a moment to think the replied 'the long pass'.

Question time

What does it take to be a professional? How important is teamwork when coaching a big club? How hours a day did you play when young? What advice would you give someone just starting out in the game? What is the best goal you have scored? These are all questions that the players answered with Víctor Valdés, Martín Cáceres, Puyol, Samuel Eto'o and Henry all taking their time and enjoying the session. It was like watching the press room in full swing, but the wide eyes and awe on the faces of those grilling the players was a sight to behold.