Select font Arial Times New Roman
Character spacing (Kerning): Standard Medium Large
News /
Vladimir Putin had a conversation with international football stars taking part in the final draw ceremony for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The meeting was attended by Nikita Simonyan, Diego Maradona, Pele, Fabio Cannavaro, Carles Puyol, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
After the conversation, the President and his guests headed to the hall of the State Kremlin Palace for the final draw.
* * *
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I would like to greet you all. I welcome you here, in Moscow, and thank you for coming.
I am sure that your support will make a significant contribution to the success of the World Cup. I hope very much that you will be able to come to Russia during the championship.
Several generations of Russian football fans know you, and you are their idols, without a doubt. Football is so popular in our country thanks to you.
Almost three million young people and people of different ages in Russia play football. This is thanks to outstanding, talented and dedicated people like you.
Welcome and thank you for your support.
<…>
December 1, 2017, The Kremlin, Moscow