Song and Vilanova, the Gamper's main attractions

Alex Song had a nearly perfect presentation this Monday evening at the Camp Nou. Prior to this evening’s match, the player signed a five-year contract and posed for the traditional photo-op with the FC Barcelona crest. When the Cameroon international made his way out onto the pitch this evening the Camp Nou faithful responded with a prolonged and deafening standing ovation.

Special tributes

The party started at 21.20. Thousands of camera flashes illuminated the Camp Nou as the steward turned the lights off. Musical bands did their part to get the fans in a festive mood before the Dream Team made their way out onto the stadium’s pitch. Koeman, Stoichkov, Zubizarreta and co. made way for Piqué, Messi, Valdés and the rest of the still active FC Barcelona players. Tito Vilanova’s players came out according to their shirt numbers. The noise in the Camp Nou was nearly deafening when Abidal, Messi, Villa and Puyol’s names were called.

Remembering Pep and Keita

After the players had been presented, Vilanova took the mic and addressed the FC Barcelona fans for the first time: “I want to thank Pep Guardiola and Seydou Keita and wish them the best of luck. Thank you for the four year you gave us. I’m also very happy that Abidal can be here with us. [Addressing Abidal] If you feel strong and if you have the desire to come back, I’ll wait for however long it takes, your struggle is our source of strength.”

The new FC Barcelona manager added: “as a Catalan and a Culé, it’s a privilege to be Barça’s manager. I thank the Board of Directors and the athletic directors. We’ll work hard so you can be proud of this team, the best team in the world.” Before the manager had addressed the supporters, Puyol welcomed the team’s new signings: “we want to keep on making history and with your help we’ll be able to do it. I hope we can all celebrate a big title together at the end of the season.”