The Camp Nou got another chance to chant the names of its heroes prior to the 46th Joan Gamper Trophy match. The players were presented in a simple but enjoyable ceremony that included welcome speeches from Pep Guardiola and Carles Puyol.

“First of all I want to thank Jeffren, Bojan and Milito, who have helped us so much over the years. It is hard to win, whatever the competition. And winning again is even harder. We have worked hard all this time, and that’s what we are the proudest about”, said the manager. He gave his word of honour that the players will make every effort this season and asked the fans to stay behind his team.

Time for the players

Puyol welcomed the new signings and then said “the season has started well. We already have one title but we want more and with your help we’ll get them. With your support we shall continue to make history”. Before the speeches, the players came onto the pitch in the midst of a huge ovation. First the coaches and then the players, in the following order: Alexis, Cesc, Puyol, Fontàs, Piqué, Afellay, Abidal, Valdés, Keita, Adriano, Alves, Maxwell, Iniesta, Sergio, Xavi, Thiago, Villa, Pinto, Mascherano, Pedro and finally Messi, who got the biggest roar of the night.

European memories

The night at the Camp Nou started with plenty of emotion, especially when the four Champions League titles were remembered. Four balloons slowly inflated in the centre of the field with carrying the words Wembley 1992, Paris 2006, Rome 2009 and Wembley 2011. The background music included ‘Barcelona’ by Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury and the opera ‘Nessum Dorma’, to add to the thrill. The show before the presentation included a performance of Lluís Llach’s ‘País petit by Manu Guix.