Boxing legend and Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko receives Champions League trophy in handover ceremony at semi-final draw ahead of May 26 final News

Navigation: Home / News / Euro Soccer Update / Boxing legend and Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko receives Champions League trophy in handover ceremony at semi-final draw ahead of May 26 final

Boxing legend and Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko receives Champions League trophy in handover ceremony at semi-final draw ahead of May 26 final

By Daily Sports on April 15, 2018

Boxing legend and Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko was the guest of honour at Friday’s Champions League draw.

With this year’s final set to be held in the Ukrainian capital city, Klitschko extended a warm welcome to all guests coming to the city on May 26.

He was joined by Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko to officially take possession of the Champions League trophy following the draw at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

Former heavyweight world champion Klitschko said: “To tell the truth, as Mayor, I am very excited that for 2018, Kiev is the European football capital.

“Ukraine's main city will host the Champions League final for the first time. This high profile sporting event is very important for us.

“As a former professional athlete and the Mayor of Kiev, my goal is to transform Kiev into the true sports city it is. I am very concerned that sports has no borders and has the power to change the world.

“I am looking forward to this year’s final and offer a warm welcome to the football players as well as everyone visiting to watch the game.

“Our city has centuries of old history and its own special life and I hope all visitors will appreciate our famous sense of humour and our tradition of hospitality.

“Kiev is dynamic European city, reaching the opportunities of talented people with sporting and recreational activities all year round.

“Kiev is a beautiful city in Spring, especially beautiful in May. So all our guests will enjoy the most exciting Champions League final yet and a wonderful stay in our city.

“You are always welcome in Kiev, welcome to the 2018 European football capital.”

Shevchenko conducted the semi-final draw, with Liverpool paired with Roma and reigning champions Real Madrid set to play Bayern Munich.

Klitschko, 46, has been involved in politics since 2005 and has served as Kiev’s Mayor since June 2014. (Daily Mail)

•Photo shows boxing legend Vitali Klitschko giving a speech at the Champions League semi-final draw

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 15, 2018