Spanish team celebrates as over a million residents turn out for Madrid parade

MADRID, Spain (AFP) — New World Cup champions Spain began their celebration parade on an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid on Monday evening, with a jubilant crowd of over a million people out to celebrate, local authorities told AFP.

The players, some shirtless, others holding drinks, set off on their procession under a blazing sun, along the main arteries in the city centre where a sea of fans in red and yellow were waiting, with the destination Cibeles square.

After flying back from the United States to Madrid, the players were received by King Felipe VI and the royal family, and then Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, before kicking off the parade.