FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.08.2007 02:51

Beijing welcomes Barça

Sergi Nogueras

FC Barcelona arrived in Beijing at 6am local time and were met at the airport by hundreds of supporters who had waited patiently before breaking out with chants and songs at the sight of their idols in person.

Excitement in the Chinese capital has been building all week and it was evident as the players disembarked after a long flight from Catalunya. The whole squad appeared happy with the reception and were honoured when locals placed wreaths of flowers around the necks of each one of them in turn, as a welcoming gesture. They were then met with a huge group of fans wearing the team colours and waving flags and scarves and there was also a large 'Senyera' to greet them.

The loudest cheer was reserved for Ronaldinho has the crowd celebrated the Brazilian's appearance with a chorus of 'Ronnie, Ronnie'. The supporters followed the squad to the coach and began to chant 'Barça, Barça' as the players boarded.

Hotel trip

The journey to the hotel took around half an hour and the drive gave the party a chance to see some of the Chinese capital's sights as they travelled down Changan Avenue, the longest and widest street in the city, past Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Upon arrival at their hotel, the players went straight down for breakfast before retiring to their rooms where they were due a few hours sleep before rising again in the afternoon for training.