Brazil Legend Ronaldo to feature in “Musical” FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony
Ronaldo won the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and 2002.
While there are still doubts whether Pele would attend the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Thursday, FIFA confirmed that Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo will be part of the event, along with British pop star Robbie Williams.
The ceremony, which will be held at 8 pm IST in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on June 14 (half an hour before the opening match of the tournament between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia), will also feature Russian soprano Aida Garifullina.
“The opening match is always a very symbolic one -- it is that instant when you realize that the big moment you, as a player or fan, have been waiting for four years has finally arrived," said Ronaldo, World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 and 2002.
At the same time as the ceremony, which will have strong focus on the musical arts, a concert will be held in the famous Red Square.
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"No one knows what will happen in the four weeks of the tournament, but everyone is sure that it will be memorable," Ronaldo said.
"Of course it is also an emotional one for the hosts. After so much hard work, suddenly the whole world is gathered in your backyard to celebrate their love for football. I felt that in Brazil four years ago and I am now happy to share this excitement with the Russians as well,” he added.
Meanwhile Williams said that the show would be unforgettable.
"We'd like to invite football and music fans to party with us in Russia, in the stadium, or to tune in their TVs a little earlier for an unforgettable show," Williams said.
Pele unwell
Brazilian football icon Pele’s scheduled trip to Russia has been cancelled due to ill health.
"He is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs," his spokesperson told reporters, adding the situation would only be clearer by Tuesday, Efe news reported.
Pele, whose World Cup debut incidentally was against the Soviet team in the 1958 edition in Sweden, was one of the main guests at the opening ceremony.
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