Weary but elated, stars return to Munich

Bayern's heroes of London didn't bother with sunglasses when they boarded the gigantic Lufthansa A380 at Gatwick airport early on Sunday afternoon. Daniel van Buyten carried the precious trophy with him, followed by Jupp Heynckes and Franck Ribéry arm in arm. The mood was buoyant, but some participants were a trifle fragile and tender after a long night of celebration.

The plane bearing the Kings of Europe took off at ten past three local time in perfect conditions, before the flight – whose call-sign was changed to champ13 from the original LH2571 in honour of the occasion - landed in pouring rain at half-past five in Munich. But no-one was put off by the weather, because all that mattered was the cup coming home!