28.05.2009 11:42
Villa Aurelia rocks with Barça
David Saura (enviat especial)
David Saura (special correspondent)
After the team’s heroic victory in the Olimpico di Roma, the party moved to the Villa
Aurelia, an impressive XVII century palace near to Saint Peter’s.
Players, coaches, directors, sponsors and relatives enjoyed a special celebration late into
the night. The fact is you don’t do the treble every day!
From the stadium to the Villa Aurelia
After the celebrations in the stadium and the interviews with the world’s media, the
team were taken by coach to the Villa Aurelia, situated in an exclusive area of Rome. There they
had a late dinner in the beautiful gardens of the palace.
The players, dressed in tracksuits and casual clothes, gradually left for the Hotel Grand Via
Veneto, located in the centre of the city. Very few players lasted out to the end due to the
logical tiredness they all felt.
A wonderful setting
This magnificent building, dating from 1650, was owned by Cardinal Girolamo Farnese and was
Garibaldi’s headquarters during the defence of the Roman Republic against the French army.
The building and the surrounding gardens were decorated for the occasion with the Barça
colours and with many references to the final. Red and blue lights illuminated the façade and many
banners made reference to the treble.
The party ends
As the hours passed, the celebration was boosted by the many fans that converged on the Villa
Aurelia in the hope of catching a glimpse of the players. Finally, as the dawn sun made its
appearance the party was replaced by the sweetest of hangovers!