NATAL, Brazil, Dec. 23 -- Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira was given a hero's welcome upon his return home on Monday, four days after clinching his first World Surf League (WSL) title.

Hordes of fans greeted the 25-year-old upon his arrival at Natal airport in northeastern Brazil, many chanting his name as their idol posed for photos and signed autographs.

"It won't be my last (world title)," Ferreira told reporters. "I'm still young and growing every day. That makes me more confident. Seeing these people by my side with this energy drives me to keep going."

Ferreira continued Brazil's dominance on the WSL circuit by beating compatriot and defending champion Gabriel Medina in the final of the season-ending Pipeline Masters in Hawaii on Thursday. Brazilians have won four of the past six WSL men's crowns.

The Pipeline victory meant Ferreira finished more than 3,000 points ahead of second-placed Medina in the overall standings, with South Africa's Jordy Smith taking third place.

After leaving Natal's airport on Monday afternoon, Ferreira made the 20-minute road trip to his home town of Baia Formosa, where fans lined the streets to welcome him and chant his name.

【体坛英语资讯：World champion Ferreira given heros welcome in Brazil】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：Yi agent seeks trade but NBA Bucks want Chinese star

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lius Milk Tea Blues

★ 体坛英语资讯：United draws Roma again, Liverpool faces Arsenal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Austrian goalkeeper Payer to miss UEFA 2008 due to illness

★ 体坛英语资讯：Domanski still mum on coaching in China

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas Li Na makes strong start to season

★ 体坛英语资讯：Coach has support in Cup wake, Domanski likely to stay

★ 体坛英语资讯：Russia march on to quarters, Israel beat Croatia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Serena brushes Schnyder aside for Bangalore Open title

★ 体坛资讯：Chinese to dominate Thailand Open finals