Fans of Barcelona football team expressed disappointment on Monday after they failed to get a chance to interact with their idols, despite waiting hours to welcome the visiting players to Thailand.
Barcelona football players Andres Iniesta, right, and Gerard Pique pose for a photograph at the end of a press conference at the Okura Hotel on Monday. Barcelona football team will play an exhibition match with Thailand's national team at Rajamangala National Stadium on Wednesday. (AFP photo)
"We had no chance to see them at all," said Rachanok Drisuwan, 24, a female Barcelona fan who had waited outside the Okura Hotel to catch a glimpse of the Spanish team.
The players arrived on a flight that was three hours late getting into Don Mueang airport, where they brushed past more than 100 waiting fans. They then rushed into their Bangkok hotel without greeting a further 200 fans who had gathered there.
Thais, who are generally more enthralled with British football teams, have a special fondness for Lionel Messi.
"We like Messi because he is not very large, but he can handle the ball well and is quicker than the bigger players," said Vachiraporn Nobkoh, 15, another female fan who had waited outside the hotel.
"I've never been a big Barcelona fan, but I like Messi because he is a great player," said Witthaya Thongtam, 35. "He can really control the ball and he's fun to watch," he said.
Fans hold banners to welcome FC Barcelona players during the team arrival at Don Mueang airport on Monday. (EPA photo)
The team has promised to play to its best when they take on Thailand in a friendly at Rajamangala National Stadium on Wednesday.
"We are really impressed by the welcome at the airport," Andres Iniesta said in Catalan through an interpreter at a press conference.
"I would like to say that we will play our best football for Thai fans."
Gerard Pique also promised they would play their best football to please fans. Pique said he was impressed by the support for them in Thailand.
"We are very pleased to see many supporters greet us at the airport," he said. "We will try to learn Thai culture although we are staying here for just a few days. I know that Thai food is very spicy but I would like to test some noodles."
New signing Neymar has reportedly been put on a special diet by the club's medical staff to ease signs of anaemia, but Iniesta said it was not a serious problem.
"Neymar can train with the team and the doctor is looking after him carefully. He will help the team a lot in this season," he said.
After the press conference, goalkeeper Victor Valdes and midfielder Xavi Hernandez placed a bouquet of flowers in front of portraits of Their Majesties the King and the Queen at the hotel to pay their respects to the Royal family.