FIFA president Gianni Infantino has long believed the Russian-hosted 2018 World Cup would be the best ever and his stance has not changed as the tournament unfolds.
“Since [a] couple of years I was saying that this would be the best World Cup ever; today I can say it with even more conviction because I lived it and you lived it. It is the best World Cup ever,” Infantino said in the opening remarks of his news conference in Moscow on Friday.
In addition to the organizers and participants of the tournament, the FIFA president offered special thanks to the Russian government, President Vladimir Putin, and the Russian people, saying “Spasibo Rossiya” (‘thank you Russia’ in Russian).
Infantino also said the World Cup has been “a big success,” and that this year’s event has changed “two things” – Russia itself and the perception of the world towards it. “The legacy of this World Cup will put Russia on the top of the countries in terms of football around the world,” he said, regarding the infrastructure built for the event.
“Everyone who has come here has called actually a beautiful country, a welcoming country,” the FIFA official told journalists. He added that the Russian people are “keen to show” the world that not all the things said about the country are true.
The World Cup managed to change “a lot of preconceived opinions,” as everyone could see Russia’s “true nature,” according to Infantino.
RELATED ARTICLES
- After Fooling the People to Reelect Putin, Russia now announces More Cannon Fodder Mobilizations
- Russia Fires Barrage of North Korean Missiles at Kyiv After US Visit
- Ex-Wagner fighters Join Free Russia Army's Battle to Liberate Russia from Putin Occupation
- Hungary Becomes First EU Country to Congratulate Putin for Winning the 'Elections'
- Moldova Expels Russian Diplomat After Setup of Illegal Polling Stations in the Country
Loading ...
