We're not pop stars, say Chilean miners

London, Oct 16 (ANI): The first three of miraculously rescued Chilean miners to leave the hospital were greeted like stars by the crowds when they reached their homes.

Edison Pena, 34, Juan Illanes, 53, and Carlos Mamani, 23, were released from the hospital following check-up.

"We're not pop stars, we're just ordinary people. I thought I'd never come back. When the mine came down we couldn't see or hear anything because there was so much dust," the Sun quoted Edison, who is also a fan of Elvis Presley.

"We thought we wouldn't see our families again. Thank you for believing we were still alive," he added.

Ex-soldier Juan said he looked forward to being alone.

"The confinement was terrible. The first 17 days were a nightmare. But the hardest thing was to be down there, buried for two months. I need to be alone, quiet," Juan contributed.

All 33 miners have told officials they want to set up a foundation to share the proceeds from films and books about their story. (ANI)