His words: “When I arrived at Roma, I was a young man facing challenges of adapting in a new country, with a fascinating culture and a high-level football.”

Today, Paulo Roberto Falcao has been awarded the Order of the Star of Italy. This is the second highest civil honor in the Italian state, reserved for Italian and foreign citizens who have gained, abroad, special merits in promoting the relationships of friendship and collaboration between Italy and other countries. The former Brazilian midfielder posted a lengthy message on Instagram: “Today is a special day in my life, a moment of immense emotion and gratitude. Receiving the Order of the Star of Italy is more than an acknowledgement for what I have done. “It’s a celebration of the deep ties I’ve built with Italy over the course of my career,” When I arrived at Roma, I was a young man facing adaptation challenges in a new country, with a fascinating culture and top-notch football. But I was received with warmth and respect and, in five unforgettable years, I formed a unique bond with the Italian people and everything this country stands for. This honour, granted by the Italian embassy under the seal of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and upon the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a privilege that celebrates not only football but also the friendship and culture we share. “This accolade is not just mine, but belongs to everyone who has been a part of this journey: my teammates, the passionate fans, the friends I have met, and my family, who has always been by my side.”