Legends kick off in Bangkok today
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Football greats led by former Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro and Luis Figo will relive memories of their illustrious playing careers when the inaugural Global Legends Series match, held in honour of His Majesty the King, kicks-off at SC
A host of stars, including onetime Liverpool striker Michael Owen, ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes and Ukrainian hitman Andriy Shevchenko, will line up in Team Cannavaro and Team Figo colours for the opening match in the series at the home ground of Thai Premier League club Muangthong United.
“The visiting football greats have fans all around the world, including our own Thai players, who have been inspired to follow in their footsteps and pursue professional careers,” said Sports Authority of Thailand acting governor Montree Chaiphan.
“This match will become an inspiration for our young athletes and encourage them to keep fighting on the path to becoming pros,” Montree told a press conference, which was also attended by Cannavaro and GLS players including former Dutch international duo Patrick Kluivert and Clarence Seedorf.
Bee Taechaubol, CEO of organiser Prime Time and co-founder of the GLS, spoke of his enthusiasm for the almost-unprecedented showcase of global greats.
“I’m excited and proud we got the chance to stage the inaugural GLS match in our home country. Most importantly, this is the first time that the world’s best 30 footballers will be teaming up and competing against each other, joining us in celebrating HM the King’s birthday,” said Bee.
Gates at the SCG open at 5pm, two and a half hours ahead of the kick-off at 7.30. The players will conduct a warm-up session one hour before the game, before a candle-lighting ceremony in honour of the King prior to the start of the match, with pop female singer Nicole Theriault singing the royal anthem.
All the players will wear commemorative shirts with a No 9 in Thai numerals emblazoned on the chest. His Majesty is the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty.
Former English Premier League referee Howard Webb, who officiated the World Cup final in South Africa four years ago, will be in charge of the game.
The match is the opening leg of the four-game GLS series, which moves on to China, Japan and Malaysia next year.
