SOCCER-CHAMPIONS/BARCELONA CELEBS Barcelona fans celebrate their side's treble win

Record ID: 150493

  • Title: SOCCER-CHAMPIONS/BARCELONA CELEBS Barcelona fans celebrate their side's treble win
  • Date: 8th June 2015
  • Summary: LA LIGA TROPHY PLACED IN FRONT OF PLAYERS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BARCELONA FORWARD LIONEL MESSI, SAYING: "As I have just said it is difficult but I have no doubt we will keep going because this group is really excited to keep achieving things." FANS CHEERING IN STADIUM (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BARCELONA FORWARD LIONEL MESSI, SAYING: "You wanted the three (cups), you have the t
  • Embargoed: 23rd June 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Spain
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVADE7K2PLJOV57MR518K33SGBME
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Thousands of Barca fans cheered their team at the Camp Nou stadium on Sunday (June 7) as the Catalan side returned from Berlin after winning the 2015 Champions League trophy.
    Barcelona were crowned kings of Europe for the fifth time after beating Juventus 3-1 in a pulsating Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, capping their magnificent season with a title treble.
    The Spaniards lived up to their tag as favourites and added the European Cup to their La Liga and King's Cup triumphs as coach Luis Enrique celebrated his first season in memorable fashion.
    Barca's South American trio of Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi, known collectively as 'MSN', showed spectacular form all season and Saturday's goals took their tally to an amazing 122 in all competitions.
    The players celebrated their victory with a bus parade through the city before topping the party at the stadium, where the three trophies were displayed on the pitch.
    "As I have just said it is difficult but I have no doubt we will keep going because this group is really excited to keep achieving things," Messi told the thousands of fans that cheered him enthusiastically at the stadium.
    "You wanted the three (cups), you have the three. Hail Barca and Hail Catalonia," the 27 year old star added.
    Captain Xavi, who has crowned his career at Barca with a perfect end, said goodbye to his followers.
    The 35 year old Spaniard, who signed up with Barca's academy in 1991 at the age of 11 and has won 23 trophies during 17 seasons in the first team, is to leave for Al Sadd this summer.
    "I thank Luis Enrique, his assistants and the whole team for letting me take part in this season and allowing me to say goodbye in the right way. Thank you all very much. I will miss you a lot. Long live Barca and long live Catalonia," he said.
    Dani Alves, who has yet to sign an extension to his contract which expires at the end of next month, could leave for free after seven trophy-filled seasons if no agreement is reached.
    The 32 year old held an emotional speech before the Barca followers while the outcome of the negotiations remain unknown.
    "I don't know how long this dream will last for. I don't know if it has come to an end. I don't know how long will it last for but I want it to be forever as long as it lasts. I'm happy here and if I'm not here I will be happy here because I'm one of you. They made me feel like one of you. Hail Barca, Hail Catalonia and Hail the mother that gave all of you birth ," he said, before the players showed the Champions League trophy to the fans.
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