Competition winner's Ultimate Champions joy
Friday, May 23, 2014
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"It's a privilege, a big privilege," said competition winner David Pereira after he played with UEFA Champions League legends in the Ultimate Champions match.
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Competition winner David Pereira struggled to hide his joy after figuring alongside UEFA Champions League greats such as Luís Figo, Fabio Cannavaro and Fernando Hierro in the Ultimate Champions match in Lisbon today.
The five-a-side game, which is always a popular event at the Champions Festival, featured a Seleçao team involving the likes of Cafu, Figo and Deco and a UEFA all-star side including Hierro, Cannavaro and Michael Laudrup among others. Having won the competition to keep goal for the all-stars, Pereira travelled with the players on the bus to the pitch at Praça do Comércio and was charged with repelling the efforts of Nuno Gomes and Rui Costa, a challenge he relished.
"It's a privilege, a big privilege," said Pereira, who was picked as the winner after sending in a 30-second video showing why he should get his chance. "We were on Facebook and a friend of mine told me that I should take some videos. He sent two videos of me and I was selected. I was at home and was happy to be selected.
"It's been a big dream since I was little to be close to these fantastic players and people as well," he said with a beaming smile. "They are the best in the world, without a doubt. It was magnificent. It was marvellous. I liked it a lot. I'm very happy."
There was not a spare seat in the house as the greats of yesteryear proved they still have the skills to impress. The event was concluded by players giving away miniature footballs to the applause of a delighted crowd.
To see the full story of the Ultimate Champions match click play in the video box above.