Ryan Giggs looking forward to seeing the talent in Pakistan

DUBAI: Ryan Giggs, who is known as one of the greatest footballers in Manchester United's history, said he was looking forward to seeing the talent in Pakistan.

Giggs mentioned that he was excited to come to Pakistan as he had never been there before. 

“Looking forward to seeing the talent there in Pakistan,” Giggs said.

The player spoke of travelling to different countries, promoting football, and how international footballers coming to Pakistan was a great opportunity for fans.

“Pakistani fans have not seen players in the flesh. This is a great opportunity to see footballers live and in their home country,” Giggs stated.

When asked about the future of football in Pakistan, Giggs responded that he was aware that cricket was the number one sport but there were a lot of young and talented footballers in the country.

“If these young and talented footballers are given a passageway and if they see the likes of me and Ronaldinho and want to be like us, then Pakistan’s football ranking will improve from 200 next year or the year after.”

Giggs said he was aware of the huge presence of Manchester United fans around the world and this was a great opportunity for Man-U fans in Pakistan to see one of the club's former players.

The footballer also spoke about playing cricket, but said he could only bowl and not bat. “I grew up in the 80s when there was the great West Indies side and was fond of Viv Richards, Ian Botham, and Wasim Akram, who was at Lancashire right next door to where I played football. He was obviously left-handed, I am left-footed and he was a very talented cricketer also.”

The 43-year-old commented on how he might celebrate in Pakistani style if he scored a goal during the match.

Ryan Giggs is part of eight international footballers who will be playing two matches in Pakistan. "Ronaldinho and friends" will compete with a group of Pakistani players for two seven-a-side matches in the country, scheduled to be held on Saturday in Karachi and Sunday in Lahore.

The "Ronaldinho and Friends" lineup includes Roberto Carlos, Nicolas Anelka, Ronaldinho, Robert Pires, Luis Boa Morte, David James, George Boateng, and Ryan Giggs.

Note: Roberto Carlos did not travel to Pakistan.