Greece team returns to a heroes welcome

ATHENS, JULY 6 (AGENCIES)

Europe's new soccer champions returned to a heroes' welcome on Monday as thousands of partying fans lined the streets to greet them.

Music to "Zorba the Greek" blared out and fireworks exploded as the players were showered with honours at the all-marble Panathenian stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

Supporters, still hoarse from wild nightlong celebrations, roared "Greece, Greece" and "Bring on Brazil" as the shock European Championship winners arrived.

More than 100,000 people in and around the stadium sang the national anthem and chanted "God is German" to honour coach Otto Rehhagel, who has been offered Greek citizenship.

A beaming Rehhagel sat holding the cup at the front of a bus, which brought the team from the airport.

Thousands of motorcycles blaring their horns followed the bus on its 35-kilometre route as it ploughed through a sea of flares and Greek flags.