Chapecoense return to scene of plane crash which killed majority of their squad for first time in emotional scenes


THESE are the emotional pictures which show Chapecoense returning to the scene of the tragedy which all-but wiped out their club.

The Brazilian side take on Colombia’s Atletico Nacional in the Recopa Sudimericana final – South America’s equivalent of the Super Cup – on Wednesday.

Chapecoense are given a hero's welcome as they return to the scene of the tragedy which all-but wiped out their club
Chapecoense are given a hero’s welcome as they return to the scene of the tragedy which all-but wiped out their club
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Just five months ago, the plane carrying club members and journalists of Chapecoense crashed in Colombia en route to their Copa Sudamericana showdown against Nacional.


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The devastating accident killed 71 people, leaving just six survivors.

Chapecoense players arrive in Colombia ahead of their cup final against Atletico Nacional
Chapecoense players arrive in Colombia ahead of their cup final against Atletico Nacional
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Chapecoense players and club members are honoured with badges by Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez
Chapecoense players and club members are honoured with badges by Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez
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The Chapecoense players were surrounded by their families upon their return to Colombia
The Chapecoense players were surrounded by their families upon their return to Colombia
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Brave Chapecoense survivors return to Colombia for their cup final against Atletico Nacional
Brave Chapecoense survivors return to Colombia for their cup final against Atletico Nacional
EPA

Since then, the club has rebuilt and amazingly progressed to another cup final.

Among those returning to the emotional scene is ex-keeper Jackson Follmann, whose leg was amputated following the disaster last November.

Writing on his Instagram, he posted: "Returning to this beloved country brings me many memories, one of them my rebirth.

Chapecoense journalist Rafael Henzel receives a supportive kiss from his son as he wells up when addressing the media
Chapecoense journalist Rafael Henzel receives a supportive kiss from his son as he wells up when addressing the media
EPA
The Chapecoense survivor struggled to hold back his emotions upon his return to Colombia
The Chapecoense survivor struggled to hold back his emotions upon his return to Colombia
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Chapecoense journalist Rafael Henzel is swarmed by the local press upon arrival
Chapecoense journalist Rafael Henzel is swarmed by the local press upon arrival
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Former Chapecoense keeper Jackson Follmann wrote an emotional post on his Instagram
Former Chapecoense keeper Jackson Follmann wrote an emotional post on his Instagram
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Chapecoense defender Neto is one of six people to have survived the tragic air disaster
Chapecoense defender Neto is one of six people to have survived the tragic air disaster
Getty Images

 

Chapecoense players travel to Colombia to take on Atletico Nacional in the Recopa Sudamericana final
Chapecoense players travel to Colombia to take on Atletico Nacional in the Recopa Sudamericana final
Reuters
Locals in Colombia were full of support for the brave Chapecoense players returning
Locals in Colombia were full of support for the brave Chapecoense players returning
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Chapecoense players pose for a squad photo with locals upon arrival
Chapecoense players pose for a squad photo with locals upon arrival
Reuters
The Chapecoense players were given overwhelming support upon arrival in Colombia
The Chapecoense players were given overwhelming support upon arrival in Colombia
EPA

"I was reborn in Colombia, I am returning with a mixture of feelings. My gratitude will be eternal."

Follmann's fellow survivors, Alan Ruschel and Neto, also made the journey back to Colombia, surrounded by their families.

Club journalist Rafael Henzel can be seen welling up as he addresses the media, with his son kissing him on the cheek for support.

Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez was there to show his support for Chapecoense
Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez was there to show his support for Chapecoense
Reuters
Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez pins a badge of honour on Chapecoense player Osman
Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez pins a badge of honour on Chapecoense player Osman
Reuters
The touching gesture shows unity between Chapecoense and Atletico Nacional ahead of their cup final
The touching gesture shows unity between Chapecoense and Atletico Nacional ahead of their cup final
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Chapecoense's devastating plane crash happened in Colombia last November
Chapecoense's devastating plane crash happened in Colombia last November
Reuters
The Colombia plane crash tragedy killed 71 people affiliated with Chapecoense football club
The Colombia plane crash tragedy killed 71 people affiliated with Chapecoense football club
AP:Associated Press

According to reports, a visit to the scene of the disaster is scheduled later today.

A fire truck poured water over the plane upon landing as a welcome sign by the locals.

The brave survivors and players were honoured by Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez as they arrived.

Gutierrrez said: "As with great sadness and tragedy comes an opportunity for a great friendship.

"We are brothers forever, they come here and feel they are local, as is what happened to Nacional in the last game in Chapeco."


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