Chilean ex-soccer star Zamorano receives award

Ivan Zamoran, the Chilean ex-soccer star, former player of Spain's Real Madrid and Italy's Inter, on Thursday received the Premio Imagen de Chile award in Santiago for his career and popularity in his native country.

"I thank you very much for this award, it is a great honor as a Chilean. My gratitude to my parents, who instilled me the values of humility, sacrifice and fight for life," said Zamorano during the ceremony.

The ceremony was held in the Pre-Columbian Museum in Santiago. Zamorano, also known as "Bam Bam", said he and his wife are instilling their children the same values.

"I always tried to wave the Chilean flag all over the world, to express our warrior and noble spirit of the Mapuche people. To be part of the national team was always a great pride," he added.

Chile's Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz, who leads Imagen de Chile foundation, said the award is to acknowledge Zamorano's qualities as Chilean.

"We want to honor his coherence inside and outside the soccer field, his spirit of constant improvement, his simplicity and dedication. He is a great contribution for the country's image," said Munoz.

Zamorano scored 40 goals during his participation in the national soccer team. He was the top scorer at Sydney 2000 Olympic Games (six goals) and had a great performance at France 1998 World Cup. Endi