Spain’s World Cup champions return home for royal welcome and parade through Madrid – AP News
Spain’s World Cup-winning players have returned to the country. The 26-man squad were greeted by the Spanish royal palace and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ahead of a parade through central Madrid. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to greet
MADRID (AP) — Spain’s World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.
The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country’s royals, and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.
“Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory,” Sánchez said. “We have truly enjoyed watching you play.”
The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid. “Stars shine together” was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers.
Players — carrying the World Cup trophy and wearing shirts with the words Somos Campeones (We Are Champions) — danced and interacted with the fans along the route.
“It’s been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said before the parade started. “We are filled with joy.”
