FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.05.2009 23:10

Party time for champions

David Saura

After so many celebrations in the city centre, the Camp Nou has now had its chance to commemorate the double. The players and both trophies were the protagonists of an event that included speeches, confetti and pyrotechnics.

Two cities were on everybody’s mind, both Barcelona and Rome, and the chance of an unprecedented treble. Very few of the players failed to make a mention of the Champions League final on Wednesday in their speeches.

Champions shirt

Despite the disappointment of defeat to Osasuna ( 0-1 ), the fans soon put that and the refereeing behind them and got ready to party. To start with, a series of videos of some of the best goals of the season, all of which were cheered by the 77,331 spectators. That passed the time before the players returned to the pitch, this time wearing special shirts with the words CAMPIONS 09 on their backs.

Presentation and celebration

The League trophy was handed over by the president of the Federation, Ángel Maria Villar, to Carles Puyol – the 19th time Barça have received it. The captain then passed it over to the other players, who set off on a lap of honour around the stadium. The Cup trophy was produced too, and among a sea of confetti, the players offered their conquests to the fans.

Speech time

With 'Viva la vida' by Coldplay ringing in the background, the players then prepared for the traditional speeches. Carles Puyol started by thanking the fans for their unrelenting support, before there was a touching moment when Guardiola asked the fans and players to be given “the biggest ever ovation at the Camp Nou". Naturally, the players turned that around, and made sure the fans gave the manager the tribute he deserved.

Mike passed around

The coach then surprised Piqué, by handing him the microphone, knowing that he is one of the most charismatic members of the squad. The Catalan was followed by Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Messi, Víctor, Henry, Eto'o, Alves, Sylvinho, Bojan and Márquez. One more lap of honour was followed by the pyrotechnics show, with the Barça Anthem being played and the words 'Més que un club' emerging in flames.