New Delhi: India is hosting the 17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho says that the tournament can be crucial for many young players as it has given him a wonderful start to his glittering career when he won it for the first in 1997.
Ronaldinho won Brazil’s first FIFA U-17 World Cup 20 years ago in Egypt. He is the only player to have won both FIFA U-17 World Cup (1997) and FIFA World Cup Finals (2002) titles.
A total of 12 players who have played in U-17 WC have also represented their countries in a World Cup Finals.
“The U-17 WC is a very special tournament for me. It opened the door for my professional career. I was lucky enough not only to take part in the competition but to win it too,” said Ronaldinho, who was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.
“The U-17 WC can be crucial as for many players it marks the start of their careers. Young players dream of making it big, and this competition gives them a fantastic opportunity to make that dream come true. It got my career off to a wonderful start and will always be close to my heart,” he was as quoted as saying by FIFA website (www.fifa.com).
