SAMBA STAR Sylvinho has insisted he is as happy to be in sunny St Andrews as he would be be back home in Brazil, writes Ian Roache.

The Barcelona full-back was expecting a cool reception on the Fife coast but was instead met by the hottest day of Scotland’s summer as the Spanish team arrived at the Old Course Hotel.

It was stressed by Barca that the two main reasons for returning to the old university town for a second successive year was the warmth of the general public and the chill in the air.

But Sylvinho was not put off by the surprisingly nice weather as he got to work with his team-mates.

“The club thought it would be good to come back to Scotland because it would be nice to train in cooler conditions than we are used to,” said the six-times capped Brazil international.

“So to get off the plane and see it was warm and sunny was a bit of surprise for us.”

“It is not a problem, though, and we are quite happy for it to be a beautiful day.

“It was especially nice for me because I am a Brazilian and we like the sunshine!

“Seriously, though, we had a great week here last year and it is good to be back.

“All the players enjoyed it and I am sure we will do a lot of important work while in Scotland.”

The ex-Arsenal man was in cheery mood as he fielded questions from the Scots and Spanish media ahead of the two friendly matches against Hibs on Thursday and old foes Dundee United on Saturday.

But Sylvinho declined to be drawn on speculation surrounding colleagues, including Samuel Eto’o, who has been linked to Chelsea, and Argentinian ace Lionel Messi, who is facing a club versus country row ahead of the Olympics.

Argentina want him to represent them in China, while Barcelona want arguably their prize asset to see out the pre-season with them.

“What happens with Messi and the Olympics is political and a matter for the association and the club—not the players,” said Sylvinho.

“The important thing for us is that he is here training with us this week and it is always good to have a top player like him with the squad.”

United and Hibs fans would agree with that, and the little magician should be a fitting replacement for the departed Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian ace was the star of the show last time around, winning the hearts and minds of the Scots public with his willingness to sign autographs and pose for photos, but he has left for AC Milan.

Indeed, the Barca squad has been revamped to include new boys Daniel Alves (from Sevilla), Alexander Hleb (Arsenal) and Gerard Pique (Manchester United).

Due to arrive tomorrow are the heroes of Euro 2008—Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol.

The three all played prominent roles as Spain became champions of Europe last month and have been given a few days’ extra holiday.