Pakistani footballers excited to play with their idols

KARACHI: Pakistani football players, scheduled to feature in the exhibition match along with foreign players, said they are excited to play with and against their football idols.

Moments before the formal start of the exhibition match between 'Ronaldinho-11' and 'Ryan Giggs-11' at Abdul Sattar Edhi hockey stadium, a young player said: “I am feeling very excited. It’s a privilege, its an honor. We are privileged to be trained by Pakistan football's international coach".

Another player who will be playing in the ‘Ronaldinho-11” said he is going through an overwhelming feeling, as it’s a very special to play with and against the international players, he added, “I am certainly nervous but I can't wait to see and meet Ronaldinho”.

Meanwhile, the foreign players have reached Karachi from Islamabad and were taken to the hotel under tight security. 

Seven top footballers from around the world, including Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Manchester United great Ryan Giggs, arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for two exhibition matches.

Brazilian hero Ronaldinho, 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 reached Islamabad early Saturday morning via a private jet.

Brazil and Real Madrid great Roberto Carlos did not travel with the group.

The foreign players have reached Karachi from Islamabad.

The lineup, of two teams dubbed 'Ronaldinho-11' and 'Ryan Giggs-11', is set to play with a group of Pakistani footballers for two seven-a-side matches in Karachi on Saturday and in Lahore on Sunday.