Recife officials praise Arena Pernambucano workers

The work on Recife's new Arena Pernambucano has been praised by officials in the region after FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke gave his seal of approval.

Valcke visited the area with officials on a tour of the six stadiums slated to host the 2013 Confederations Cup in June.

Eduardo Campos, governor of Pernambucano, was delighted with the verdict and praised the efforts of everyone involved.

"I want to congratulate all the workers, the 4,600 men and women who have worked hard to make this stadium come true.

"It was just possible because of the possibility FIFA and the Brazilian government gave to us when they chose Recife to be one of the 2014 FIFA World Cup host cities.

"Even those who did not believe we could make it have helped us. Their disbelief made us stronger to work even harder to deliver the arena.”

Aldo Rebelo, Brazil's sports minister, also chipped in with his approval: "During the FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Recife will be an example of how to receive and welcome people and also of competence.

"The work done in Recife does not surprise me, I never doubted Pernambuco would deliver this arena.”

Source: FIFA