Mr Infantino, ladies and gentlemen, friends,
A few hours remain before the 2018 World Cup is over.
Today, a short time before the final match,
I think we are united by a common feeling.
We look forward to the match that will determine the world football
champion but, at the very same time,
we are sad that this huge celebration of sport that has given us so
many positive emotions, memorable experiences and new
friendships is nearing its end.
Russia adopted a comprehensive and responsible approach to preparing
for the World Cup, and we are sincerely happy that it has been
a success and has united millions of people globally around football.
Our efforts have been praised by athletes,
who we have accommodated in a way for them to show their maximum
potential, and by the media, assisted around-the-clock by staff at 11
city press centres of the tournament.
Fans, too, have praised us.
I would like to stress that by coming to Russia to support their
national teams they have shown how diverse this football family is.
But also, they have shown its very best qualities: friendliness,
being one in spirit, staying true to sports principles,
and the ideals of equality and mutual respect.
We are grateful for the millions of kind words that our guests have
said about Russia and its people,
and we are glad that they have appreciated the hospitality, openness,
nature, culture and traditions of our large country.
We are pleased that our guests had the opportunity to see it with their
own eyes, and that the myths and prejudices have been laid to rest.
We know that foreign fans have said repeatedly that they would like
to come back bringing their friends and family members with them.
We will make sure that the people who have fallen in love with Russia
enjoy as relaxed visa controls as possible,
that they can continue to explore our country especially since it can
build on boundless potential — a testament to Russia’s multi-faceted,
unique and great character, the openness of its people to friendship,
cooperation, useful and creative joint projects, and common goals.
The FIFA World Cup, just as other major international sports
competitions, has a unique ability to bring people together,
reveal the real power of what is known as people’s diplomacy,
which has always served to strengthen peace and prosperity on our
planet, this common home of ours, enormous, diverse, and beautiful.
I would like to thank once again all those who made the decision
to hold the 2018 World Cup in Russia,
and Mr Infantino personally for the opportunity to host such
a grandiose event, to express our gratitude for the trust that I hope
we have lived up to, and for the support we received during
the preparations. And, most importantly,
for having faith in Russia as a country that keeps its promises,
respects its partners, and stays true to the great spirit
and principles of sport.
Friends, the World Cup is coming to an end,
but we are not bidding farewell to you.
In Russia, we always welcome old friends and new friends,
and now have made many more of those.
Thank you all, and I hope to see you again.
Thank you for your attention.