Swathed in the red and yellow colours of Spain, hundreds of thousands packed central Madrid to give a hero's welcome home to the Spanish team that also had a special reception at the Royal Palace.
Swathed in the red and yellow colours of Spain, hundreds of thousands packed central Madrid to give a hero's welcome to the Spanish team that also had a special reception at the Royal Palace. (All AFP and AP Photos)
Blowing horns, the fans put up with a baking evening sun to catch a glimpse of their heroes as they paraded by on the bus, escorted by police on horseback and motorbikes.
After a two-and-a-half hour open-air bus ride through the fan-packed streets, squad members took to a stage in Cibeles plaza against the backdrop of Madrid's majestic town hall.
_041712_141736_2716.jpg "The Euro 2012 victory made Spain the first team ever to win three successive major tournaments - Euro 2008, 2012 and 2010 World Cup.")
_041712_141736_3336.jpg "Adding to Spain's joy, Andres Iniesta (C) won the player of the tournament award.")
_041712_141736_1036.jpg "The Iberia plane that brought them to the Spanish capital bore the logo \"proud of our national team.\"")
_041712_141736_4006.jpg "Hours after their return from Kiev, King Juan Carlos and members of the royal family congratulated the players at the Zarzuela Palace outside Madrid.")
_041712_141736_2136.jpg "A king's welcome for European champions Spain")
