Pedro, please tell us something about your new role? - Photo: SOS Archives
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The signing ceremony was held on 9 November 2005, during Pauleta's visit to the SOS Children's Village Bicesse. After Pauleta received his ambassador's certificate, he attended a small lunch in the village, where he addressed the audience: "It is a great responsibility, but it is something that pleases me very much. I will always be available for these children, because they need our help. We, public people, have the obligation to help all the children and children who are in out-of-home care organisations like SOS Children's Villages, because children are the future."
During the ceremony, the children of Bicesse presented Pauleta with a ball signed by all of them. Pauleta in turn autographed a ball and gave it to the SOS Children's Village, saying to the children, "Life is always difficult but the will, work and honesty - the bases of a good education - help to overcome these difficulties. Never give up of fighting".
Pauleta surrounded by SOS children in Bicesse - Photo: SOS Archives
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Pauleta promised to use his notoriety as a football great to increase exposure to the SOS Children's Villages in Portugal. "It is a great honour to be able to collaborate in assisting children. As far as my free time permits I will participate in actions for SOS Children's Villages and assume my responsibilities, also bringing friends and other people I know to this great institution."
Pauleta is Portugal's leading scorer with 43 goals in international play. He currently plays for Paris St. Germain and has scored an amazing 7 goals in only 13 games (November 2005).