FC Barcelona’s penultimate night in Seoul was a rather special one. The hotel where they are staying hosted a gala dinner organised by the tour promoter, attended by president Joan Laporta, treasurer Ferran Olivé, and board members Miquel Camps, Xavier Puig, Àngel Riudalbàs, Joan Solé, Joan Soler and Sisco Pujol, as well as the entire first-team squad, led by coach Hansi Flick, who arrived after the event had already begun.
The evening began with a short speech by Laporta, who once again expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome received from their Korean hosts. “It is a huge honour to be in Seoul” he said. “And we are proud to have spent part of our preseason here, where there are thousands of Barça fans who we respect and love.”
Next, Seoul Ham, CEO of D-Drive—the company promoting the tour—thanked FC Barcelona for their presence in Asia: “I can’t express how grateful I am. Remember us always,” he said.
Héctor Fort, the unexpected protagonist
After a brief exchange of gifts, the FC Barcelona players made their entrance. To loud applause, they were introduced one by one—in squad number order—ending with Hansi Flick, who also addressed those in attendance. “I have to thank everyone for the warm welcome we’ve received” he said. “We’re preparing an important part of the season, and the team has a great attitude and mentality.”
The most unexpected moment of the night came with a celebration for Héctor Fort, who was turning 19 that day. The full-back thanked everyone for the surprise after the entire room sang “Happy Birthday to You.”