FC Barcelona 2022/23 officially presented!

The atmosphere at the Spotify Camp Nou in the build-up to Barça v Pumas was as wonderful as expected, and the highlight was the presentation of the first team squad for the 2022/23 season.

First came the staff, and then the players, with raucous applause for everyone, as they were welcomed onto the field by a line of youngsters from the Barça Academy.

Many welcomes

Naturally there was an especially warm welcome for the five new signings Kessie, Christensen, Raphinha, Lewandowski and Koundé, as well as crowd favourites like Pedri and Ansu Fati.

Last of all came the four captains, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Piqué, Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba.

Samuel Umtiti was given special permission from the club not to attend the presentation.

Xavi and Sergio speak

Coach Xavi was the first to speak, saying “thank you very much for your support. We are starting the year with high hopes And nothing would make happier than to make Culers happy by winning titles this season. That’s the target. All I can do is promise that we will do everything we can. We need your support, from the members, fans, media, supporters clubs, we need to feel Barça together.  We are the best team in the world and we need your support. Thank you very much. I hope everyone enjoys themselves. Viva el Barça y viva Catalunya".

As for captain Sergio Busquets, he said “we are very happy to be playing this Joan Gamper in front of our fans. We want to welcome the new signings. This is your home. I’m sure you will help us to achieve our targets. A new season is starting, with high hopes, full of challenges. The goal is to be competitive again and compete for every title. We hope to see you here this season because we are going to need you. Viva el Barça y viva Catalunya."