Champions League trophy thrills New York City
Monday, March 23, 2015
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David Villa, Jerzy Dudek, Juliano Belletti and Rivaldo were in New York as the 2015 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken, kicked off in style.
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A star-studded lineup in New York made for a truly memorable opening to the 2015 UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, presented by Heineken.
With football's popularity soaring in the United States, New York City FC striker David Villa, Juliano Belletti and Rivaldo kicked off events in Midtown Manhattan, accompanying 'Ol Big Ears' up the 102-story Empire State Building. Belletti, FC Barcelona's match winner in the 2006 final, then talked movies, Lionel Messi and dinner guests in a live Q&A hosted by the UEFA Champions League Facebook page.
Former Liverpool FC keeper and trophy tour ambassador Jerzy Dudek joined the party on Wednesday, engaging fans on Twitter during last-16 wins for Barcelona and Juventus as part of Heineken's popular #ChampionTheMatch campaign. There was also table football, a cameo appearance from ex-United States international Claudio Reyna and a repertoire of tricks from Rivaldo.
One-time World Footballer of the Year Rivaldo also pulled in over 1,000 questions from fans across the globe after succeeding Belletti in the UEFA Champions League Facebook hot seat.
The tour reached a thrilling climax over the next 24 hours, twice visiting Skylight Modern in Chelsea, with New Yorkers given the opportunity to pose alongside club football's biggest prize and sample some vintage UEFA Champions League memorabilia.
There was also time to mix with the stars of the show, generating a palpable buzz that gripped the Big Apple during three fantastic days. The trophy continues its journey with major stops in Dallas from 17–18 April and Los Angeles from 21–22 April. Do not miss out.