Neymar creates a big stir in Cartagena

Posted Sunday, December 08, 2013 by

The region of Murcia welcomed Barcelona with open arms. The Catalan team arrived in San Javier around mid-morning on Friday and nearly half-a-million people turned out to greet the players as they left the airport to get a glimpse of their idols.

Given the absence of Lionel Messi, Neymar was the centre of attention. The Brazilian player had no qualms about stopping to sign autographs and have his picture taken with the fans. Even some of the security staff asked for autographs and to have their photos taken with various players.

The team then made its way to their hotel, where another crowd was waiting to cheer them on, all wearing Barca shirts and scarves.

The Barcelona squad stayed at the hotel until it was time to head to the Cartagonova stadium, where the police had to accompany the team bus on its arrival in view of the huge expectation generated, with more fans waiting to see the players as they got off the bus.

The mood in Cartagena was fantastic throughout the day on account of it being a national holiday, and Barca's visit to the city only added to the festive mood, many fans making their way to the stadium hours before kick-off to soak up the party atmosphere.