Following their return to Spain after their Champions League triumph, Barcelona have held another parade through the streets of the city culminating at the Camp Nou where thousands of fans had congregated to greet their double-winning heroes.
At Wembley, defender Eric Abidal had the honour of lifting the trophy after club captain Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernandez, who skippered the Catalans on the night, had stepped aside and handed Abidal the armband in an incredible gesture that perfectly exhibited the team’s togetherness.
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The Frenchman made an emotional speech thanking everyone involved with the club for their support during his recent illness and subsequent rehabilitation. “Thank you for your support throughout the season”, he said. “Thank you team, especially our captains, who made a wonderful gesture…by giving me the armband. It was the best day in my sporting life. Lifting up this trophy is incredible”.
The expressions of gratitude extended to other speeches as Pep Guardiola and a number of other players thanked the fans for their backing throughout the campaign as well as a promise to repeat the feat next season.
