Ronaldinho-led int’l footballers reach Pakistan for exhibition matches

APD NEWS

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By APD Writer Muhammad Sohail

ISLAMABAD, July 8 (APD) - Eight international footballers including Brazilian football stars Ronaldinho on Saturday reached Pakistan to play two exhibition matches, the first mega sports event in Pakistan after security situation improved during last couple of years.

The eight players including the World Cup hero Ronaldinho his country fellow Roberto Carlos, former Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng, former French players Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka, and Portuguese player Luis Boa Morte will feature in two “the Ronaldinho and Friends exhibition matches” in different cities of Pakistan at the weekend.

Britain based Leisure Leagues which aims to promote the game in Pakistan is organizing the matches.

A charter plane carrying the footballers reached Pakistani capital of Islamabad on Saturday from where they were escorted to a local hotel amid extremely tight security.

The players called Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa where they were briefed about their security plans. The meeting was followed by a reception and later the player flew to the southern port city of Karachi where they will play first match on Saturday night.

Pakistan is a peace and sports loving country. We thank the army chief for hospitality & pleased to be in a beautiful and peaceful Pakistan,” said Ronaldinho.

People of sports deserted Pakistan look very excited about the matches as, according to the organizers, all the tickets have already been sold out.

The second match will be held in the country’s eastern city of Lahore on Sunday evening. The winner will be given a trophy and other cash prizes after the conclusion of the second match.

Ishaq shah, the chief of the event organizing company, said the two seven-a-side teams will be led by captains Ronaldinho and Ryan Giggs with three international players apiece lining alongside them in either team while rest of the players will be picked from Pakistan.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)