The team of seven will participate in exhibition matches (seven a side) against local players.
Pakistan is set for thrilling matches as ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ will visit the country to promote football.
Brazilian footballing legend Ronaldinho will visit Pakistan with seven other players between 6th-8th July 2017.
While the scheduled trip was announced back in March 2017, organisers Leisure Leagues Pakistan and World Group have recently revealed the players who will join the Brazilian legend.
‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ will also comprise of David James, George Boateng, Nicolas Anelka, Robert Pires and Luis Boa Morte.
In addition, they also revealed that top footballers John Terry and Roberto Carlos will attend, generating a positive outpour on social media.
The team of seven will participate in exhibition matches (seven a side) against local players in Karachi and Lahore. They will also meet with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, as the Pakistan Army also help with organising the trip.
On Twitter, many have revealed their excitement of the planned visit. Even Major General Asif Ghafoor welcomed the seven footballers on social media, saying:
We welcome @10Ronaldinho and his team to Pakistan 6-8 Jul 17 in coord with @leisureleaguepk.
Pakistan is a peace and sports loving country. pic.twitter.com/asQutQQ45f— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) June 19, 2017
Some of the players have also voiced their pleasure in visiting the country. Roberto Carlos revealed:
“When [Ronaldinho] told me about this fantastic project which is being organised by the World Group and the head of the organisation, I had no hesitation in saying that I wanted to join the tour.
“Who knows, maybe ten years down the line scientists in Pakistan will be studying a goal I score on this tour.”
The organisers invited ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ as part of increasing the country’s awareness of football. They hope it will grow in popularity and encourage more to participate in the sport.
Shahzeb Mehmood Trunkwala, the President of World Group, also explained the importance of inviting such famous footballing legends. He said:
“Bringing international players of this stature to Pakistan is a step towards building the country’s image in the world.
“We want to empower our local talent and create a platform that gives every individual a chance to play football and groom their skills.”
In particular, Leisure Leagues Pakistan also hope to support local football players further their sports careers. Through academics, scholarships and opportunities abroad, they aim to create international players from the country.
As the organisation enjoys success in the UK and US, surely they will replicate the same in Pakistan.
Until then, keep your eyes peeled for 6th-8th July 2017, where ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ will arrive in the country!
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