Freestyle football: Garnier kicks off tour of Karachi in style

Former Red Bull champion overjoyed with enthusiastic reception

KARACHI: Sean Garnier, Red Bull Freestyle Soccer World Championship’s first title-holder, kicked off his tour of Karachi on Saturday, interacting and performing at two different venues in the city.

Garnier, who was declared the world champion in 2008 and has over 600,000 subscribers on Youtube, was in Lahore earlier to start his Pakistan Tour 2015.

The Frenchman expressed surprise over his popularity in Pakistan. “The experience in Pakistan has been amazing,” said Garnier in a video message to The Express Tribune. “I wasn’t expecting to meet so many freestylers, so many football fans and so many people who know me. It’s amazing, it’s mind-blowing.”

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He added, “I really wish I could spend more time with everyone and I’m looking forward to coming back soon.”

According to Red Bull official Maria Mahesar, the tour has been a success so far and the response has been overwhelming.

She added that Garnier’s visit will inspire local footballers and freestylers to come forward.

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“Freestyling and football is a growing field in Pakistan,” said Maria. “By bringing in international athletes, we believe we can help the talent get one step closer to their dreams.”

Garnier will continue his tour of Karachi on Sunday as well after covering NCCA and IBA University on Saturday, and will visit Islamabad on the last leg of his tour.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2015.

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