Polina Haeredinova had a wonderful experience in the build up to the Russia vs Portugal’s, match at the on going FIFA Confederations Cup when she accompanied the reigning Best FIFA Men’s Player Cristiano Ronaldo before the match .
The 10-year-old disabled youngster had an opportunity to witness this incredible experience through the ‘Going to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with McDonald’s’ programme.

While reflecting on her time with Ronaldo in front of the packed Moscow arena, Haeredinova said: “I couldn’t expect that it would be such a great experience. Cristiano Ronaldo was outstanding. He gave me his coat and kissed me for luck. I was in the centre of unbelievable emotions, supporting Russia. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life.”
According to fifa.com, FIFA’s Marketing Services Director, Jean-Francois Pathy, added: ““The McDonald’s programme is one of many great initiatives where FIFA Commercial Affiliates take an active role in building the success of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017. This opportunity to connect young fans with different backgrounds and life stories to football is unique. FIFA strives to enhance the experience for all involved in the game and the touching moment we witnessed today on the pitch was a perfect example.”
The ‘Going to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with McDonald’s’ programme, organised by the official sponsor of 2018 FIFA World Cup™ and 2017 Confederations Cup, has involved more than 350 children – around half of whom come from orphanages, foster care and low-income families – in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and in Sochi where Gera Aristova was the lucky youngster. A wheelchair user from each of the host cities will lead out one of the teams on 21 and 22 June.
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