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21:37 GMT
By Fahad Al-Enezi (with photos) KUWAIT, Dec 20 (KUNA) -- President of FC Barcelona Joan Laporta said Sunday his football team took pleasure in playing the first friendly match in Kuwait after winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Some 5,000 fans have warmly welcomed Barcelona when they landed at Kuwait International Airport this afternoon ahead of Monday's game against Kuwait's Kazma Sporting Club.
Barca plans to offer a wonderful match that lives up to its fame and pleases huge numbers of its fans, Laporta said.
He praised as excellent the sporting ties between his club and the State of Kuwait, commending Kazma for inviting Barca to play the friendly match.
FC Barcelona has won global praise after winning the FIFA Club World Cup against Estudiantes to complete a dream year that has seen the team winning six major trophies.
Laporta attributed the spectacular victories of the team this year to dexterity of the Barca squad lead by Technical Secretary Txiki Begiristain, First Team Coach Josep Guardiola and Assistants Tito Vilanova and Juan Carlos Unzue.
This is an unprecedented phase in the history of the team since it was founded 110 years ago, he affirmed.
On his part Begiristain said he deals with each game separately, deeming himself a lucky coach.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Kazma Sporting Club Asaad Al-Banwan said the aim of playing a grand team such as Barca is to please the football-lovers Kuwaitis.
"The game will provide a chance for the Kuwaiti fans to see the big stars closely," he said, urging the public to attend the exceptional game at Kazma stadium.
"The match will culminate the sporting festival activities marking the 45th anniversary of Kazma," Al-Banwan affirmed.
He thanked the organizing committee of the festival and the Kuwaiti fans who gave a warm welcome to the Barca earlier today.
"Backed by Kuwait Ambassador to Spain Adel Al-Ayar, Kazma started preparations for tomorrow's game two years ago," Al-Banwan disclosed, noting that Al-Ayar introduced him to Laporta.
Kazma chairman promised to pursue efforts to attract the world's leading football team to play in Kuwait.
After the match against Kazma, Barca will have a rest until December 29 when the Spanish league will resume after winter recess. (end) fsa.gb KUNA 210037 Dec 09NNNN