Italian football star Fabio Cannavaro and Italian Administrator Damiano Tommassi paid a visit to Vietnam and were greeted to a hero’s welcome in the nation. Italian Fabio Cannavaro is the only defender in the world to have received the prestigious Ballon d’Or award for his impressive performances amidst many difficulties in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.The Italian led his national team to victory over all the odds and was rewarded with the prestigious award, which is usually awarded to an attacker. He has played for some of the best clubs in the world including the likes of Juventus, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Tommasi was working alongside Cannavaro on a publicity meeting for the FIGC – the Italian FA.

They arrived at Ho Chi Minh City from Bangkok and wer immediately greeted with a warm response from the locals. He is expected to visit the HCMC over the first weekend of January after being invited by Eximbank, who are currently sponsoring the event. A number of football fans arrived at the airport to greet the defender, who recently brought an end to the stellar career.

Fabio Cannavaro spoke after being received in such a warm way by saying that he has never experienced that such response amongst the Vietnamese fans. More than thousand fans queued up to see the Italian when he arrived at the airport.  “I know Cannavaro when he played for Parma over 10 years ago. His service helped the club rise to fame in the world, with the UEFA Cup title in 1998-99 season,” said Nguyen, a fan from the Tan Binh District.

He has been waiting all morning to get a glimpse of the player, who is probably the most well-known defender of all time along with Paolo Maldini. “I am surprised at the enthusiastic welcome of Vietnamese fans. I can’t imagine they love football and admire me like that. I am happy with it,” Cannavaro told the local newspaper.