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Chapecoense train in front of fans at stadium for first time since plane disaster as crowd cheer on new signings and survivor Alan Ruschel

CHAPECOENSE were given a hero’s welcome by fans who arrived at the Arena Conda to watch them train at their stadium for the first time since disaster struck the club.

The Brazilian outfit were en route to play Atletico Nacional in the Copa Sudamerica final when the plane crashed in Colombia on November 28, killing 71 people from the squad and club alike.

Chapecoense's new players are given a hero's welcome by fans in training
Chapecoense’s new players are given a hero’s welcome by fans in training
Reuters

One of just three players to survive was defender Alan Ruschel, who joined his newly-assembled team in training to prepare for the new season.

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The Brazilian acknowledged the touching support and waved at the home crowds.

Chapecoense supporters roar on their new stars at the Arene Conda in Chapeco
Chapecoense supporters roar on their new stars at the Arene Conda in Chapeco
Getty Images
Survivor Alan Ruschel acknowledges the cheering support as he prepares for the new season
Survivor Alan Ruschel acknowledges the cheering support as he prepares for the new season
Getty Images
The Brazilian defender was one of just three survivors of the Chapecoense squad
Brazilian defender Alan Ruschel, right, was one of just three survivors of the Chapecoense squad
Getty Images
New Chapecoense boss Vagner Mancini looked to be in good spirits during the session
New Chapecoense boss Vagner Mancini looked to be in good spirits during the session
Reuters

Another survivor, Helio Neto, arrived at the club's facilities on crutches on Thursday to begin gruelling physiotherapy.

Chapecpoense have been busy training all week to ensure they are fully prepared for the campaign ahead.

A friendly against champions Palmeiras on Saturday is the first test new boss Vagner Mancini must deal with.

Chapecoense kick off the new season at home to Joinville on January 26.

Chapecoense supporters watched on at training for the first time since before the disaster
Chapecoense supporters watched on at training for the first time since before the disaster
Getty Images
Alan Ruschel tragically lost nearly all of his former team-mates in the crash
Alan Ruschel tragically lost nearly all of his former team-mates in the crash
Getty Images
Chapecoense prepare for the beginning of the new Brazilian campaign
Chapecoense prepare for the beginning of the new Brazilian campaign
AP:Associated Press
Chapecoense rejected immunity for three years from the Brazilian top flight
Chapecoense rejected immunity for three years from the Brazilian top flight
AP:Associated Press
New Chapecoense keeper Artur takes selfies with the fans who came to watch at the Arena Conda
New Chapecoense keeper Artur takes selfies with the fans who came to watch at the Arena Conda
AP:Associated Press

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The football world rallied to support the disaster-stricken club, offering players on loan and even immunity from relegation for three years.

But the proud side rejected the top-flight safety net offered by the Brazilian FA to risk the threat of relegation like the rest of the league.

They also turned down the chance to have special dispensation to complete all of their loan signings for free for the upcoming season, rebuilding on their own terms.

Chapecoense supporters were in good spirits as they buoyed their team ahead of the upcoming season
Chapecoense supporters were in good spirits as they buoyed their team ahead of the upcoming season
AP:Associated Press
Chapecoense stars applaud the crowd as they prepare for an emotional comeback in competitive football
Chapecoense stars applaud the crowd as they prepare for an emotional comeback in competitive football
Reuters
Chapecoense play their first competitive match since the plane crash against Joinville on January 26
Chapecoense play their first competitive match since the plane crash against Joinville on January 26
Getty Images

New coach Mancini said: "We have to build a team, a coaching staff and a club infrastructure in a season in which Chapecoense will be stretched with commitments.

"I understand now that the city was so badly affected because the club and the city are run like a family. The players we have brought in are cut from that cloth, but we have to reach a higher level now."

Brazil's national team play Colombia in a friendly set to raise funds on January 25, with proceeds going towards victims' families.

New Chapecoense manager Vagner Mancini says the club must now achieve for higher levels
New Chapecoense manager Vagner Mancini says the club must now aim for even higher levels
AP:Associated Press
Chapecoense are cheered on the pitch as they prepare for the new season
Chapecoense are cheered on the pitch as they prepare for the new season
Reuters
The new Chapecoense squad applaud their home support during training
The new Chapecoense squad applaud their home support during training
AP:Associated Press

A charity match between Chapecoense and Barcelona is also on the cards.

The Samba club will this season be competing in South America's most prestigious tournament - the Copa Libertadores - for the first time in their history.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and gossip ahead of the January window with SunSport's daily LIVE blog

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