I have a special connection with Pakistan after embracing Islam: Former footballer Nicolas Anelka

[Devil Soul]

I have a special connection with Pakistan after embracing Islam: Former footballer Nicolas Anelka


Listen

Nicolas Anelka, former French footballer, on Tuesday arrived in Pakistan on visit aimed at promoting the game in the country.

The former Chelsea and Real Real Madrid player was welcomed at the Pakistan Football Federation at the Islamabad International Airport.

During his visit, the former star would hold meeting with President Ashfaq Shah and review a 20-point agenda for the development and promotion of football in Pakistan.

He is also scheduled to meet fans at Islamabad's Centaurus mall.

Anelka's visit is part of Touch Sky Group's World Soccer Star 2019 initiative under which matches would be played in Lahore and Karachi.

Speaking about his trip, the footballer said ever since he embraced Islamism he has a special connection to Pakistan, expressing the hope that his visit will help promote football in the country.







He said he was confident about this visit and that he was waiting for the matches that would be held on April 26 and 29 where he would get the chance to meet Pakistani fans.

 

[Asimzranger]

Very good news we also need to promote other sports not just cricket.

 

[El Sidd]

Kinda obvious isn't it?

Pakistan ka matlab kia LA ILAHA ILLALAH

 

[The Eagle]

Anelka meets PFF president ahead of World Soccer Stars event

https://nation.com.pk/Reporter/momin-jamal
Momin Jamal

10:59 PM | March 05, 2019



PFF and TSG announced a long term partnership to uplift Football from the grassroots in Pakistan. The announcement came at the Press Conference held at Serena Hotel Islamabad headlined by the arrival of the Nicolas Anelka, former PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and French International talisman who has been enlisted to World Soccer Stars.

READ MORE: Anelka meets PFF president ahead of World Soccer Stars event
Anelka met the new President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Syed Ashfaq Shah to reinforce the development of the 20 point agenda to uplift football. The aspiration of millions of football fanatics in Pakistan is now about making their dreams become a reality and not only to witness world-class players arriving in Pakistan with exhibition matches but to inject new life line into football offering real tangible outcomes for Pakistan.

Nicolas Anelka said, “My participation is to help boost football in Pakistan and having embraced Islam, I have a special connection with Pakistan. I have forged a special relationship with World Soccer Stars tour and am confident of this tour being one of its kind on 26-29 April 2019 in Karachi and Lahore so look forward to exciting my fans in Pakistan.”

PFF President Syed Asfaq Shah said, “I welcome Nicolas Anelka to Pakistan and really look forward to his input to help us develop a sustainable way forward offering Pakistan realistic goals.” Head of TSG-World Soccer Stars, Robert said, “I am delighted to discuss the real development needs for football and unearth a realistic football grass-roots structure for PFF. I am committed to a sustainable growth in football and really impressed with the appetite football has in the market.”

Ahmer Kunwar of TSG-World Soccer Stars said, “Our vision hails from top down and bottom up approach to drive appropriate structures across core levels of football in Pakistan. Anelka’s visit is to discuss a deep-dive discussion with PFF on supporting the domestic league structure and the presence of Anelka reinforces our intent who has taken time out before the tour to discuss structured gateway to European football for Pakistani players.”

READ MORE: Lahore Qalandars' batting crumbles as Zalmi emerges victorious
Anelka’s visit in Islamabad will end amongst football fans at Centauras Mall where he will be revealed to football fanatics in the capital city to energise, motivate, inspire and help grow grow confidence in football through World Soccer Stars tour in Pakistan. World Soccer Stars will be unveiling another star soon. World Soccer Stars is a pulsating showcase football match and AKON concert all under one roof to be held in Karachi on Saturday 27 April 2019 and in Lahore on Sunday 28 April 2019.