During the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai took some time out and visited FC Barcelona. MWC is one of the biggest technology events where smartphone makers from around the globe participate to showcase their latest products. It took place from February 27 to March 2 at Gran Via de Fira de Barcelona. Even FC Barcelona participated at the event where President Josep Maria Bartomeu announced the Barca Innovation Hub project. Meanwhile, Pichai visited the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despi near to the city of Barcelona and went to La Masia where he attended a team training session led by coach Luis Enrique. There he met the Barca greats like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and captain Andres Iniesta.
The Google CEO also visited Camp Nou and took the tour of the most famous stadium areas including the dugouts, pitch and the players’ dressing rooms, as well as the Club Museum. He was accompanied by FC Barcelona CEO, Oscar Grau. Pichai, who is a self-confessed Barca fan, was informed about many strategic projects including the new innovation Hub. It is essentially an initiative to transform the organisation into a great centre for sporting innovations. He was also told about Espai Barca which is aimed towards transforming FC Barcelona’s venues.
Apart from Messi, Pichai also met other Barca players like Xavi, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Pique among others. Luis Suarez thought Pichai was a fan of rival team Real Madrid, but his doubt was cleared soon. Pichai met Messi and told him that his favourite goals were the ones he scored against Bayern Munich in 2015.
Pichai also met the team goalkeeper, Ter Stegen congratulated him for his performance in the previous game against Atletico Madrid. He even reminded team manager Luis Enrique about the time when he was a Barca player. Pichai was given a team jersey with the name ‘Sundar’ printed on it.
