THE Brazil national team received a special send-off on their way to the World Cup on Monday.
As part of a tradition, the team plane was ‘baptised’ as it prepared for take-off at Galeao Airport in Rio de Janeiro.
Sign up for the Football newsletter
Thank you!
The Brazil national team flew to the United States for the World Cup on MondayCredit: Refer to source
Their plane was ‘baptised’ on the Monday at Galeao Airport
Two fire engines formed an arc of water for the plane to move through on the runway.
Whenever there is an important flight or special occasion, it is common to call in fire engines to spray water.
The procedure is carried out by airport staff who, on this occasion, contacted the Brazilian Football Confederation to authorise it.
The water jets are believed to mean the plane is blessed and the route is christened.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
PITCH PERFECT
English model goes Dutch for World Cup after secret date with Prem star
DOUBLE
Win an Adria Motorhome and Volvo V60 or £100k cash from just 38p with our code
Carlo Ancelotti and his players were flying to Newark, New Jersey to begin preparations for the upcoming tournament.
They travelled on a Boeing 767-300ER from Aeronexus which was branded with the CBF logo.
The £150million aircraft was used by the Rolling Stones on their 60th anniversary tour in 2022.
Among those on the plane was Neymar, who is currently recovering from a calf injury.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
The team received a huge send-off Credit: AP
He suffered the issue after being named in the squad last month.
It was initially claimed to be minor, although it later emerged that his injury was far more serious than first feared.
As a result, some players allegedly questioned in private if they had been misled.
Neymar was unable to start training when he joined up with the national team.
And he is now expected to miss the opening Group C match against Morocco next weekend.
