Salvador and Luisa get a hero's welcome in Portugal

What a fantastic year it has been for Portugal. They have had plenty of reasons to celebrate. First they won the European football championships in the summer of 2016. Their top team won the domestic league this saturday, the Pope has been there this weekend, and to top it off Portugal have finally won it's first Eurovision since 1964. Up until now, Portugal had the dubious award of being a nation that had participated the longest, and not won. It's previous best result was in 1996, when they positioned 6th. However, it happened and Salvador convincingly won scoring more than 100 points over his nearest rival.

Although, a carnival atmosphere was present in Portugal with all the joyous events happening there, the Portuguese public did not let Salvador's great achievement down. When they arrived at the airport they had to be surrounded by security, where over 2000 fans met them at the airport, to glimpse the new Portuguese hero. This mans life will never be the same again. Even in the subways, the screens at every station ring out with a congratulatory messages.

Along with the 2000 strong public, Salvador also received many messages of support from Portugal's most eminent people. The president wrote, "When we are very good, we're the best of the best. Congratulations Salvador Sobral". This was followed by the Prime Minister Antonio Costa who added, "A page of history has been written in Portuguese this evening at Eurovision. Bravo Salvador! Bravo Portugal".

Already, a sporting power house, for Portugal who prides itself on its culture can now add this accolade to their sense of achievement. On being described as a hero Salvador was very humble, and said he was not, that honour lied with Christian Ronaldo. Of the contest Salvador said, "I'm happy my romantic song won, and I hope the gala stops being a popularity contest". Portugal have certainly ended that now.

Finally, Salvodr stays true to himself and his belief in the power of music, "I hope to keep making music that means something and remain happy, playing it. Emotion always prevails".

This time next year, sunny Portugal will be holding the contest, and Eurovoxx aims to be there, to find out who Europe's next hero will be. Stay tuned for more.

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