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Mr Infantino, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

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A few hours remain before the 2018 World Cup is over.

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Today, a short time before the final match,

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I think we are united by a common feeling.

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We look forward to the match that will determine the world football 

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champion but, at the very same time,

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we are sad that this huge celebration of sport that has given us so 

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many positive emotions, memorable experiences and new 

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friendships is nearing its end.

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Russia adopted a comprehensive and responsible approach to preparing 

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for the World Cup, and we are sincerely happy that it has been 

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a success and has united millions of people globally around football.

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Our efforts have been praised by athletes,

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who we have accommodated in a way for them to show their maximum 

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potential, and by the media, assisted around-the-clock by staff at 11 

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city press centres of the tournament.

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Fans, too, have praised us.

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I would like to stress that by coming to Russia to support their 

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national teams they have shown how diverse this football family is.

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But also, they have shown its very best qualities: friendliness,

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being one in spirit, staying true to sports principles,

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and the ideals of equality and mutual respect.

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We are grateful for the millions of kind words that our guests have 

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said about Russia and its people,

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and we are glad that they have appreciated the hospitality, openness,

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nature, culture and traditions of our large country.

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We are pleased that our guests had the opportunity to see it with their 

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own eyes, and that the myths and prejudices have been laid to rest.

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We know that foreign fans have said repeatedly that they would like 

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to come back bringing their friends and family members with them.

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We will make sure that the people who have fallen in love with Russia 

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enjoy as relaxed visa controls as possible,

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that they can continue to explore our country especially since it can 

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build on boundless potential — a testament to Russia’s multi-faceted,

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unique and great character, the openness of its people to friendship,

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cooperation, useful and creative joint projects, and common goals.

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The FIFA World Cup, just as other major international sports 

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competitions, has a unique ability to bring people together,

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reveal the real power of what is known as people’s diplomacy,

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which has always served to strengthen peace and prosperity on our 

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planet, this common home of ours, enormous, diverse, and beautiful.

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I would like to thank once again all those who made the decision 

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to hold the 2018 World Cup in Russia,

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and Mr Infantino personally for the opportunity to host such 

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a grandiose event, to express our gratitude for the trust that I hope 

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we have lived up to, and for the support we received during 

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the preparations. And, most importantly,

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for having faith in Russia as a country that keeps its promises,

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respects its partners, and stays true to the great spirit 

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and principles of sport.

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Friends, the World Cup is coming to an end,

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but we are not bidding farewell to you.

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In Russia, we always welcome old friends and new friends,

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and now have made many more of those.

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Thank you all, and I hope to see you again.

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Thank you for your attention.