04.08.2010 21:01
Team arrives in Beijing
David Saura (special correspondent)
The FC Barcelona party arrived in China at two o'clock local time this morning to a warm welcome from 300 fans at Beijing airport.
The team plane landed at Beijing's International airport after an hour and a half flight from South
Korea.
Fans out in force
Despite arriving in the middle of the night, 300 fans turned out to
greet Josep Guardiola and his players at the airport, where Leo Messi was the centre of attention.
The Argentine star was escorted through the crowds by a large number of Chinese police,who had to
hold back a number of fans who tried to get too close to their heroes.
From the airport to the hotel
It took the players five minutes to make their way through the terminal
and onto the waiting bus and the fans and photographers continued taking snaps as the coach pulled
off to the Beijing Shunjing Spa Hotel,where the party will be staying.
The group finally arrived at their hotel at 3.00 local time though in reality an hour later
as they were still on Seoul time. Fortunately, the hotel provides an idyllic space to rest and
relax after avery long day which began with a morning training session, followed by a
match
in suffocating heat and a two and a half hour trip from Seoul.