The Seoul city government has named American football star Hines Ward an honorary citizen of the city.

In a ceremony Wednesday, Ward shed tears in his acceptance speech as the 538th honorary citizen of Seoul, expressing his respect and love for his mother Kim Young-hee and his affection for his birth country.

The honor is usually reserved for visiting government or economic officials to Seoul and foreigners who have contributed to the city's development.

The first recipient was an American in 1958, and the last sports figure to win it was former national soccer coach Guus Hiddink in 2002.

Awardees are invited to serve as advisors on public events organized by the city and can enter public museums and parks for free.