LAHORE: Football superstars Ricardo Kaka and Luis Figo have termed their first ever visit to Pakistan as remarkable saying they were here to promote world's largest playing game football.
Both the superstars arrived in Lahore on Thursday night to officially kick off the World Soccer Stars series 2019 to be played in April. They first landed on Thursday at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on a day-long visit via a chartered plane from the UAE and then proceeded to northeastern Lahore city after a brief stay.
They met football-crazy fans on late Thursday evening at Packages Mall and assured them of promoting football in Pakistan.
Two matches will be played between the two teams comprising former and current international stars and local footballers in Karachi and Lahore in April. Kaka and Figo will lead their respective teams.
Kaka and Figo were attired in white sports shirts and caps and they were flashing victory signs as they were welcomed by the local officials and football fans at the airport.
Both the football legends were accorded warm welcome by the lively Lahorites.
"We are here for football development. This country has a huge potential waiting to emerge into the international scene," Figo said. "I advise the youngsters, who want to pursue football as a career, to work hard to achieve your target. You must take advantage of this event," he added.
When asked to comment on the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) decision to increase the number of teams from 32 to 48 for the next world cup, Figo said, "More teams mean more opportunities for football playing nations to participate in the World Cup. It will also generate more money for the development of the sport. But In terms of quality, I don't know it is better or not, but let's try first."
Replying to the same question, Kaka said, "We have to try. It will work or not, we will see. More teams mean more money. I think it is a good opportunity for more countries to be part of the event." The Real Madrid stars are scheduled to train the young footballers, in addition to playing the two-match series, during their five-day stay in Karachi and Lahore.
The two legends have been brought by a UK-based player and event management company that had also arranged the visit of Brazilian star Ronaldinho, his 2002 World Cup winning teammate, Roberto Carlos, former French midfielder Robert Pires, France's Nicolas Anelka, Portugal's Luis Boa Morte, Holland's George Boateng, England's David James and former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs in 2017.