Saudi Arabia welcomed the FIFA World Cup trophy presented as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at King Khalid International Airport here on Monday.

Gabriel Calderon, FIFA ambassador and former Argentinian footballer and international coach, said: “"I am very happy to be here in Saudi Arabia with the support of Coca Cola to present FIFA World Cup trophy.”

He added: “I have a very good experience with Saudi people because they are very keen and dedicated towards football.”

Calderon said that “I am thankful to the Kingdom for giving me an opportunity to serve this county as a football coach. This period was one of the most outstanding eras in my career.”

Alexander Koch, deputy head of corporate communication, FIFA, said: “I am very excited to be a part of FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. Football is very striking game for everyone and brings the world together.”

Abdullah Al-Arak, head of Coca-Cola in Saudi Arabia, said, “I am pleased to be a part of Coca Cola and thank to FIFA World Cup team to present the trophy in Saudi Arabia.”

“Saudi youth love playing and watching football. We are always ready to serve the Saudi youth,” Al-Arak said.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is a great chance for football fans in Saudi Arabia to be close to one of the most iconic symbols in football.

FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour is an exclusive initiative from Coca-Cola whereby the trophy travels around several markets, allowing millions of people a chance to revel in its glory and experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup in their own country.

The largest and longest global tour will be spanning over 92,000 miles and visiting 89 countries. The tour will also be visiting 50 new countries that have never had the opportunity to host the trophy before.

FIFA and Coca-Cola have come together a third time to bring the Trophy Tour to the World, starting in 2006 and then again in 2010.