France’s Nicolas Anelka excited to visit Muslim heritage sites in Pakistan

French football great Nicolas Anelka cannot wait to explore Pakistan and its rich cultural heritage.

Speaking to Geo.tv in Dubai before taking off for Pakistan, Anelka said he is looking forward to visiting Pakistan for the first time.

“I’ve never been to Pakistan and I’m excited because it’s a Muslim country. I’m a Muslim and I’m looking forward to visiting it. [I’d also love to visit] the Muslim heritage sites there, why not, I’m excited and cannot wait,” he said.

On his motivation to visit Pakistan with ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ to play exhibition matches, Anelka said he’s great friends with Ronaldinho and he’s always wanted to visit Pakistan.

“Ronaldinho is a good friend and I saw him just two or three weeks ago, when we were playing the Classico Legends. I’m happy to be here because I’m his friend and I’ve wanted to come, to visit Pakistan, to see another Muslim country so I’m here.”

About football’s potential in Pakistan, Anelka said he was optimistic about the sport’s future in the country but there was still a lot to do.

“It’s gonna take time for footballers in Pakistan, but, you know, it’s a beautiful game and I’m sure a lot of people like football, like to watch football. It’s not an easy game, and you see it on TV, you think it’s easy, but it’s not easy.”

“You have to practice, practice hard, be focused, [and] believe in yourself,” he said.

Anelka is part of a group of 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 Nicolas Anelka, Ronaldinho, Robert Pires, Luis Boa Morte, David James, George Boateng and Ryan Giggs.

— Editing by Maria Shamim