The Italian Ambassador to Brazil, Alessandro Cortese, awarded former Roma and national green-golden team player Paulo Roberto Falcão the title of Officer of the Order of the Star, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony took place in the Sala Nervi, at the Italian Embassy in Brasilia, in the presence of authorities, friends and family of the former athlete. "Although it is the person who receives the decoration who feels honoured, in this case, as a football fan, it is I who feel honoured to present this decoration to a champion like Falcão," said Ambassador Cortese, who cited important moments of 'the eighth king of Rome', from Internacional to the Giallorossi club, passing through the Brazilian Seleção.
"His talent and elegance in the game are unforgettable, and he continues to be a symbol of admiration for an entire generation of fans, especially in the Italian capital," the diplomat added.
For his part, Falcão said he received the award 'with great emotion and gratitude'. "Today is a special day in my life. When I arrived in Rome, I was a young man facing the challenges of adapting in a new country. With a fascinating culture and top-level football. But I was welcomed with affection and respect and, during five unforgettable years, I created a unique bond,' said the Roman idol.
'I want to dedicate this award to all those who have been part of this history: my teammates, the passionate fans, the friends I have met and my family, who have always been at my side,' he stressed.
The Order of the Star of Italy is a decoration established in 2011, replacing the previous Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity. The award is granted by the President of the Republic, at the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Italian citizens living abroad or foreigners who have achieved particular merits in promoting relations of friendship and cooperation between Italy and other countries.
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