Famed football players all praise for Pakistanis  

Say besides cricket, football will also gain popularity in the country


News Desk July 09, 2017

International football players praised on Saturday the ‘immense talent’ in Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Brazil's Ronaldinho said that Pakistan is a peaceful country and foreign players should come here to play.

“There is immense talent of soccer in Pakistan,” he said adding that Pakistan has been very welcoming.

The legendary player expressed hope that besides cricket, football will also gain popularity in Pakistan.

Another footballer Rayne Gigs said that we have come to Pakistan to send a message to the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country.

“From the other side we only know about Pakistan’s lover for cricket but now we’ve seen their love for football too,” he said adding that his experience in Pakistan had so far been good.

'Ronaldinho and friends' land in Pakistan

He said that he could see the nation’s desire and interest for football yesterday [Saturday].

He added that hopefully the international players well be able to send across the message to the world that Pakistan is a good place to come and promote football in the country.

“The desire to play football in the country is immense,” he said added that he saw some very talented players which was encouraging but they need coaching and infrastructure to move forward.

Brazil legends Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs, Frenchmen Robert Pirès and Nicolas Anelka, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng and Portuguese winger Luís Boa Morte.
Ronaldinho and other international football superstars met army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa after they arrived at the Benazir Bhutto international airport on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Qamar thanked the footballers for visiting the country. He told them that Pakistan is a peace-loving and sports-loving country.



World football giants come calling – and Karachi goes crazy

“Sports promote peace, and your visit is most welcomed by all Pakistanis, especially young footballers,” the army chief said.

The footballers thanked Gen Qamar for organising their tour and his support. They called Pakistan a beautiful country and said they looked forward to enjoying their trip.

Gen Qamar also thanked the Leisure Leagues for organising the event in collaboration with the Pakistan Army and promoting peace and sports.

 

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