AirAsia Bhd has appointed the legendary Brazilian footballer, Roberto Carlos, as its new global brand ambassador.

In a statement here today, AirAsia Group and AirAsia X chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said the airline was proud to have such a fighter in its roster of world champion brand ambassadors.

“No one embodies the dare to dream spirit like Roberto Carlos. From playing on streets of Garça and deciding to be a professional footballer at 12 to the amazing free kick against France and winning the World Cup, he has shown that when he wants something, he will see it through to the end,” he said.

Meanwhile, Carlos said, the appointment was a dream come true.

“In Brazil, we say, ‘Because we suffer so much, we value football.’ This shows you can succeed no matter where you come from as long as you believe and work hard,” he said.

Carlos, nicknamed “The Bullet Man” for his powerful free kicks, has represented Brazil at three FIFA World Cup tournaments and was part of the team that won the 2002 World Cup hosted in South Korea and Japan, AirAsia said.

It said at the club level, he was part of Real Madrid which won four Spanish La Liga titles and three Champions League titles in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

- Bernama