LISBON, Portugal--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earlier today the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies were handed over to the city of Lisbon by UEFA President Michel Platini, following a tour through several landmarks of the Portuguese capital.
In a ceremony held at Lisbon City Hall, Michel Platini handed the trophies over to the Mayor António Costa. The President of the Portuguese Football Federation,Fernando Gomes, opened the event. The UEFA Champions League Finals ambassador, Luís Figo, was also present, amongst other well recognised names in Portuguese and international football. Representatives of last season's men's and women's competition winners, FC Bayern München and VfL Wolfsburg, were also be in attendance.-
The tour of Lisbon started in the historical neighborhood of Belém, where Portuguese sailors left for the voyages of discovery in the 14th and 15th century. The two trophies arrived via the Tagus river on board the NRP Sagres, an iconic tall ship of the Portuguese Navy. Vítor Baia, former Portugal international, and Mónica Jorge, director for women’s football at the Portuguese Football Federation, were on hand to carry the trophies.
The route through Lisbon took them to a number of sites such as the Pasteis de Belem, home of the famed custard tarts, and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, surprising locals and tourists. Along the way, the trophies rode in typical Lisbon trams and funiculars, the Metro, and even open top two-seater GoCars.
At the end of the ceremony, a group of children involved in UEFA’s Grassroots programme were on hand to take a group photo with UEFA President Michel Platini.
The 2014 UEFA Women’s Champions League final and the UEFA Champions League final will take place in Lisbon on 22 May and 24 May respectively.
Images of the day available on FTP.UEFA.COM.
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