Francis has managed to travel the cheapest way possible, Bicycle. PHOTO COURTESY: www.bbc.com
Clifin Francis, an Indian, cycled all the way from Iran to Russia to watch the FIFA World Cup.
Francis was sitting at home in southern India when a friend asked if he was going to the football extravaganza.
"Of course," he replied. "I might even travel to Russia to watch the it."
This was in August when he knew that he could not afford the air tickets from Kerala.
"I realised I wouldn't have enough money to travel to Russia and stay for a month. Then I asked myself what could be the cheapest way of travelling? Bicycle was the answer".
He was adamant on going, however, his parents were not convinced.
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He set out on February 23, where he flew to Dubai taking a ferry that took him to Iran from there.
Notwithstanding, the Russian capital which is still 4,200km away if you take a bike.
What he gained at the end of it, a chance to see Argentina’s Lionel Messi, one of the best footballer in the world
"I love cycling and I am crazy about football. I simply combined two of my passions,"Francis says.
Currently, he has made it to Tambov as of now, which is a city 460km south of Moscow by road. In order for him to be there for France against Denmark match he should be in the capital till June 26.
"It's the only game I managed to get tickets for," he said.
"But I support Argentina and Lionel Messi is my favourite I worship him. It's my dream to meet him and ask him to sign my bicycle," he added.
Francis is pretty hopeful that his journey will inspire enough people for football and as well as fitness.
The article originally appeared in the BBC
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