Ryan Giggs and Ronaldinho among star players in Pakistan football series
Iconic Brazilian and Barcelona football player Ronaldinho former Manchester United stalwart Ryan Giggs, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng and others former top footballers played an exhibition match in Pakistan.
Leisure Football Leagues Pakistan is organising this exhibition match for international players to encourage cricket-mad people towards football.
Talking to the media, Chief Executive of Leisure Football Leagues Ishaq Shah said the visit of international footballers is aimed at reviving and promoting international sports in Pakistan.
Ronaldinho has thanked Karachi and Pakistan for warn welcome, love and support for him and his fellow players.
Pakistan cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed along with legend wicket-keeper batsman Rashid Latif were also present at the hockey ground to support Ronaldinho and Friends exhibition match in Karachi.
Team Ronaldinho beats Giggs XI in exhibition match
The international players were divided in two teams, one led by Ronaldinho and other by Ryan Giggs.
Pakistani stars Mohammad Rasool, Mohammad Essa, Aziz, Razik, Mohammad Adil, Adnan, Mohammad Ali and Ahmed with foreign players Nicolas Anelka, George Boateng and David James played in the Ryan Giggs team.
Meanwhile, Yousuf Butt, Saddam Hussain, Kaleemullah, Saadullah, Hassan Bashir, Riaz, Kamran with Boa Morte, Robert Pires was featured in Ronaldinho-11.
In this highly anticipated match, Ronaldinho Friends Seven beat Giggs Seven by 2-1 in first international footballers friendly exhibition match in Karachi last night.
From Ronaldinho’s side, Roberts Pires and Saadullah scored goals, while the only goal from Giggs Seven was scored by Nicolas Anelka.
COAS welcomes football legends Ronaldinho, friends in Pakistan
Pakistan Army is providing security for the players and matches, deploying troops in and around hotels, airports and stadiums over the weekend.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa met with Ronaldinho and his fellow international football players at Army House before the players left for Karachi, said the Inter-Services Public Relations in a statement.
General Bajwa thanked the players for visiting Pakistan and said Pakistan as a country is peace loving and loves sports. “Sports promote peace and your visit is most welcomed by all Pakistanis especially young footballers,” said the army chief.
The footballers also thanked Gen Bajwa for organizing their tour and continued support and said Pakistan is a beautiful country and they look forward to enjoying the trip.
The second exhibition match will be played at Fortress Stadium in Lahore today.