Ladies and gentlemen, friends,
It is a pleasure to welcome athletes,
fans and spectators from around the world,
all our guests and everyone who loves football.
We are just a few minutes away from the beginning of a grand football
celebration, the Confederations Cup.
For the first time in history our country,
Russia will welcome the strongest teams of the continents.
Allow me to first of all express my appreciation to FIFA and to you,
Mr Infantino, for your commitment to the ideals of sport,
for your trust in our country, for cooperation and assistance
in preparing this milestone event,
a remarkable tournament which will be the final rehearsal
for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
We are united in believing that football should serve the purpose
of social development, should unite nations and continents,
reaffirm the values of fair play, enhance determination and faith,
inspire, and offer a dream to the younger generation.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Russia are in love with football.
Our responsibility and commitment is to hold the Confederations Cup
at the highest possible level.
I am confident that our visitors will get to know Russia,
a hospitable nation that is friendly, open to the world,
will get to know St Petersburg and Moscow, Kazan and Sochi,
wonderful cities with their own history and vibrant lives.
It is here, on modern football pitches, that uncompromising,
fair and honest play will unfold until the very last
moments of the match.
I am certain that millions of people on the planet will see a beautiful
captivating show, the art of football masters,
a real triumph of sport. I wish success to both the teams and fans.
Dear friends, let us watch football! Welcome to Russia!