Pakistan is safe, a good country to visit: Ryan Giggs

LAHORE: Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs said on Sunday that the exhibition matches are giving a message to the world that Pakistan is a safe country.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated second leg of the seven-a-side series at Fortress Stadium, Giggs said: “We are happy to be here, we are enjoying it and hopefully we will be able to send a message to the world that Pakistan is a good and safe place to visit.”

He further added that the players are very happy to receive the hospitality of Pakistani people.

Giggs also said that in view of making good progress authorities managing football in Pakistan should give infrastructure and best coaches to the local players.

Responding over a question, the former Welsh footballer said that he came across talented Pakistani players who are eager to improve their game in the exhibition match played at Abdul Sattar Edhi Stadium in Karachi.

“Hopefully we will some more of it today,” he said. “There is a lot of individual talent but obviously it needs infrastructure. I have seen that the youth of Pakistan are big fans of football.”

Giggs further said that Pakistani people love football as much as they love cricket, hopefully, now the country will also be known for its football.

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 in Karachi and Lahore.

Brazilian hero Ronaldinho, former Manchester United stalwart Giggs, former England goalkeeper David James, Dutch star George Boateng, former French players Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka and Portuguese player Luis Boa Morte are playing with a group of Pakistani footballers for two seven-a-side matches.

Strict security arrangements have been put in place at the site of the venue, as well as the hotel where the international players will be lodged.