Metshin: “Portuguese footballers are touched by the warmth of our fans”

(KZN.RU, June 19, Alsu Safina). The organization of the Confederations Cup in Kazan was highly appreciated by Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, and Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese football player. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of the city, said this at the Business Monday. Yesterday, the national teams of Portugal and Mexico met at the stadium “Kazan Arena”. The match ended with a score of 2:2.

According to the Mayor of Kazan, Gianni Infantino noted the high readiness of the stadium “Kazan Arena” for the Cup. Fernando Gomes, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, paid attention to the infrastructure and preparation of training grounds. “It was nice to hear that the base of “Rubin”, where the training of the Portuguese national team was held, is one of the best that the team has ever had”, said I. Metshin.

The head of the city also told about the meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo, the famous football player of the Portuguese national team. “Portuguese footballers are touched by the hospitality and warmth of our fans, and it's not only those who stand by the hotel and create a unique atmosphere. Thank you, the people of Kazan”, said I. Metshin. According to him, hospitality is shown by everyone: those who meet guests at the airport, bus drivers, security personnel, and law enforcement officers.

“The occasion is just beginning. We will sum the results up only after June 28, when the semifinal match will be held in Kazan. But it is worth a lot that we already get the feedback from eminent football players, sports officials, presidents of football federations of different countries, and the president of FIFA”, believes the Mayor.

According to I. Metshin, preparations for the Confederations Cup were held systematically. “We have done a great job together with colleagues from law enforcement agencies, the Government of the Republic, and federal agencies”, noted the Mayor. “Any event can be compared with an iceberg where a part of the work is visible but 9/10 of the iceberg is under water and is hidden from the eyes”.

“Any event begins and ends but what has been done remains in the city for residents and visitors of the capital. Each event is an exam for our residents on maturity and readiness to bring out the best in themselves”, added the Mayor.