The Miami Seaquarium is one of the biggest tourist attractions in South Florida, where children get to see whales and dolphins. This Tuesday, five FC Barcelona players (Valdés, Pedro, Xavi, Villa and Busquets) went there for a great day out in the company of dolphins.

From training to the pool

After the morning training session at the University of Miami, the players travelled to the Seaquarium and donned specially prepared neoprene with the FC Barcelona crest on the front.

In a shallow pool in Dolphin Harbor, the players enjoyed an unusual experience. It started with a short explanation of things to be considered when relating to this intelligent, fun-loving animals. During the 20 minute visit, the players were able to touch and feed the dolphins.

Tome for football

There was also a football feel to the day. The dolphins were given Barça coloured balls, which they were able to hurl at Víctor Valdés, who stood in goal, gloves and all, to try to stop the aquatic mammals from scoring. There was also time for each player to swim with the animals, grabbing hold of their fins. It all ended with a photo of the players and the monitors, with the players being given a show of affection from the dolphins.

Víctor Valdés, who had one something similar before, said “the best thing was being able to come here with my team mates. It was really nice. The idea was to have a good time.” He added that “they are fun but trusting animals.”

Before the visit ended, vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu and director of professional football, Andoni Zubizarreta, presented the General Manager of the Miami Seaquarium with a Barça shirt as a token of gratitude.