Champions Barcelona receive rapturous welcome

To the victors go the spoils – and FC Barcelona were certainly entitled to feel spoiled as they were greeted by tens of thousands of supporters upon their return home following Saturday's UEFA Champions League final victory against Juventus.

Luis Enrique's squad touched down shortly after 17.30 local time at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and the five-time European champions took a moment to pose for a quick photograph on the runway before heading to the city centre, where a huge party awaited.

After setting off from the city's Estació del Nord, the side made their way through the centre via several celebration spots. The first was at the Arc de Triomf, where a massive throng of jubilant fans welcomed their heroes. The players danced amid a swirl of confetti as defender Gerard Piqué led the celebrations in front of the city's iconic landmark, while his team-mates showed off their Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League trophies at the front of the team bus.

Next up was the famous Passeig de Gracia, where Neymar – scorer of Barça's late third goal in the 3-1 victory in Berlin – and fellow Brazilian Daniel Alves danced in front of the delighted public, before the celebrations continued onto the packed Carrer Arago and Comite d'Urgell. The bus then made its final stop at the Placa del Doctor Ignasi Barraquer around 22.00, before heading for the 'pièce de résistance' at the Camp Nou.

Over 70,000 ecstatic supporters took up the full allocation of tickets available for the event inside the stadium, and they were treated to live music and a live video of the victory parade. As the players emerged onto the pitch to undertake a lap of honour and address the crowd, they were met by a fervent atmosphere, and Luis Enrique was quick to praise the support his side have enjoyed this term. "You've been there for us all the way and we thank you – we're stronger with you," he said.

Midfielder Xavi Hernández expressed his gratitude to the supporters as well, having ended his illustrious 17-year spell at Barcelona by coming on as a substitute against Juve. "I'm going to miss you all a lot," he explained. "Thanks to everyone for gifting me this wonderful goodbye season." The gratitude went both ways, and as more cheers erupted it was easy to mistake the ambience for that of a high-profile European game. But, of course, the UEFA Champions League is over for another season – and Barcelona signed off in Berlin as worthy winners.

What the other players said:

Lionel Messi
Being back here and going through this again is incredible. Last year was difficult for us, but to pick ourselves up and come back is something spectacular. We have to enjoy it, a lot. We will continue to achieve things because the group is determined to do so.

Daniel Alves
First I want to thank all my team-mates and all the staff. I don't know how long this dream will continue. I don't know if I've arrived at the end. I've been happy here and I am happy here.

Gerard Piqué
Once again we're here. When we were here in 2009, I promise you I never thought we'd do this again. We're the best team in the world.

Luis Suárez
You gave me the chance to make my dreams come true.

Jordi Alba
The day I was presented as a Barcelona player was the happiest of my career. Today has surpassed that.

Ivan Rakitić
I've had two incredible seasons. I feel at home here. I'm going to keep fighting and hopefully we can stay on the same track.

Luis Enrique takes in the atmosphere in Barcelona©AFP/Getty Images

The Barcelona team bus was showered in confetti©AFP/Getty Images

Javier Mascherano and Luis Suárez show off Barcelona's trophy haul©AFP/Getty Images

Neymar was in high spirits after his goal in Berlin©AFP/Getty Images

Daniel Alves and Andrés Iniesta lap up the acclaim©AFP/Getty Images