Rio Ferdinand to kick off in Bangkok today
England defender Rio Ferdinand is set to make a surprise appearance in Thailand, featuring in the Asian Dream Cup charity match along with his Manchester United team-mate Park Ji-sung at Muang Thong United's home ground today.
The 33-year-old defender was expected to have been included in the England squad for the upcoming European Championship. However, England manager Roy Hodgson made a surprise decision to leave the veteran out of the roster.
With free time available, Ferdinand took the opportunity to revisit Thailand and play with former Korean international Park against an All Star Thai League team in an event organised by Four-One-One Entertainment and the JS foundation established by the Manchester United midfielder.
Ferdinand will reportedly arrive in Bangkok this morning and take part in the game that kicks off at 6pm at the SCG stadium.
Apart from the Red Devils duo, a host of Asian star players including Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-young and Celtic’s Ki Song-jong will also be in the line-up, joined by former Croatia defender Dario Simic.
The All Star Thai League team is made up of familiar names from leading clubs in the top-flight division led by Muang Thong United striker Teerasil Dangda and fellow forward Teeratep “Leesaw” Winothai of Bangkok Glass.
“Four-One-One has been doing entertainment business with Korea and we see that this charity project of JS Foundation will yield benefits to the country’s sports as a whole,” said Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, Four-One-One chief executive.
“So, we decided to join with the foundation in an effort to help support our young athletes and push them to the global level.”
Park, who initiated the charity football match which is being held for the second year running in Southeast Asia, said he hoped the game would be as successful as last year’s edition in Vietnam.
“I do hope the Asian Dream Cup in Thailand will be well received and be able to support Asian youth in making their dreams come true. I’m very pleased to meet with Thai fans and expect them to join us at the venue,” said Park, who received a rock-star reception at the packed conference yesterday.
