International Football: Barcelona arrive in high spirits
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
THE Barcelona team arrived in Athens last night for tomorrow's European Cup final in optimistic mood after their dramatic retention of the Spanish championship at the weekend.
Johan Cruyff, Barcelona's Dutch coach, said his players were in high spirits having secured their fourth consecutive league title. 'Our morale is flying high and I think this will greatly help us against Milan,' Cruyff said. 'I am very confident. I think we will win.'
Hristo Stoichkov, Barcelona's Bulgarian striker, said: 'The Italians are saying we are the favorites, but it's just tactic. They are not resigned, and will fight hard. However I think we are a better team.'
Marco Van Basten, the Dutch striker out for many months with a slow-healing ankle injury, arrived in Athens with the Milan party and joked about his 'surprise' inclusion in the Milan line-up. 'It would upset the Spaniards,' said Van Basten, whose return to action next season is still in doubt.
Milan's coach, Fabio Capello, said the Croatian midfielder Zvonimir Boban is recovering from a light strain and would start along with Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly. 'We are not the favourites, and this can be a good starting point,' Capello said. 'We were the team to beat last year (against Marseille) and we lost. Let's reverse the roles this time.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments