Ramos: It was an honour to be there

While all the rewards that come with winning the FIFA Interactive World Cup are enticing, one prize stands above the others - the chance to be able to attend one of the most exclusive events on the footballing calendar, the annual FIFA Ballon d’Or held in Zurich Switzerland. “A day like this means so much more to me than the prize money,” remarked FIWC10 champion Nenad Stojkovic when he attended the Gala in 2011. FIFA Interactive World Cup 2012 champion Alfonso Ramos is no stranger to the event, having attended the awards as the FIWC 2008 champion. Although it was Ramos’s second visit to the Gala, the Spaniard was just as excited as ever. “For any football fan, this is without question one of the greatest experiences you can have,“ said Ramos. In 2008 Ramos was presented his FIWC award by countryman Fernando Torres. On this occasion, it was current European and FIFA World Cup champion Gerard Pique that did the honours. A Classico of stars After the FIWC presentation, Ramos got to play EA SPORTS™ FIFA 13 against Pique on the PlayStation®3 while Ballon d’Or 2012 nominees Lionel Messi and Iniesta watched from over the players’ shoulders. It was a virtual Classico, with Pique selecting Barcelona and Ramos opting for his favourite team Real Madrid. In a twist of fate, Pique watched his virtual self get sent off and ultimately lost 3-1 to the Interactive World Cup champion. Pique, Iniesta and Messi were not the only stars to meet Ramos. The FIWC champion also got the opportunity to shake hands with Sergio Ramos, Xavi, Radamel Falcao, Neymar, Xabi Alonso and Dani Alves among others. At the Gala, Ramos witnessed Lionel Messi receive a record-shattering fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or. The Spaniard also enjoyed a special moment of national and club pride as he watched 11 La Liga players (5 of which played for Ramos’s favourite team Real Madrid) announced in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2012. “Even though it was my second visit to the Ballon d’Or, I was just as excited as the first time,” said Ramos. “I was able to get so close to the stars, which most of the time a fan can only dream about. It was an honour to be there seated amongst all these talented footballers.” From : Fifa