Random: Buddies with Bono

As it turns out, Barca coach Pep Guardiola was at the kickoff concert for U2 on Camp Nou last Tuesday. He and lead singer Bono are pals now - at Bono's request, the two were introduced and held a short meeting in the singer’s dressing room, where Pep presented him with a Barca shirt bearing his name and the number "1".

Bono declared their newfound frienship onstage during the concert: “U2 has a new friend now. His name is Pep and he has personally given me a Barça shirt." And he turned around, showing off the shirt to the fans.

"Congratulations on winning the treble," he continued, addressing Pep. I" want to thank the club for all the aid it has given us for this concert and above all the dedication it has shown to humanitarian causes such as the UNICEF advertising on the jersey without any economic benefit to themselves. You are an example in a struggle that concerns us all."

And Pep responded: "We are very thankful to U2 for choosing this city and the state as a starting point for the world tour."

Bono was also very enthusiastic about Barca's collaboration with UNICEF: “FC Barcelona is the only football club in the world that wears UNICEF on their shirts."

Aside from Pep, Barca president Joan Laporta was also present, as well as Gerard Pique, Rafael Marquez, and former Barca defender Juliano Belletti.

And to everyone's surprise, Bono was actually linked up to the International Space Station from the stadium, and spoke to the astronauts live via the giant video screen. One of the astronauts was wearing a UNICEF shirt and declared: “Barcelona looks fantastic from up here in space!"

Anyway, U2 held their second and final concert on Camp Nou yesterday, before heading off to continue the rest of their world tour, with Laporta again attending the concert. Read more about it here.

Reports are that the city of Barcelona might fine the band for rocking too loud and too long during their rehearsals, following district complaints; yet they claim they're proud to be hosting the kickoff of the band's world tour.