Dubai: Past masters from Manchester United, Liverpool, Celtic and Rangers will hold a meet-and-greet session with fans the day before their new Dubai tournament next week.
The Irish Village will be the venue for the session, which takes place at 7pm on Thursday, October 22, ahead of the inaugural Dubai Duty Free Football Legends Tournament.
Ex-Liverpool favourites John Barnes, Vladimir Smicer and Patrik Berger will be among the former players taking part in both events. The tournament kicks off at 7pm on Friday, October 23.
Also confirmed for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium event are ex-Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram, former Celtic winger Regi Blinker and Viv Anderson, a defender for Manchester United in the 1980s and early 1990s. On the day of the tournament, there will also be a brunch between 12pm and 3.30pm, which costs Dh400 and includes admission to the event.
Barnes, who made more than 300 appearances for Liverpool between 1987 and 1997 and won 79 caps for England, said: “I cannot wait to step back on that pitch in Dubai. Liverpool against Man United and Rangers against Celtic are some of the biggest rivalries in the world of football and you can be sure that none of these players like to lose, so the competitiveness will still be there for all to see.
“It is also a chance for football fans to get up close and personal with us.”
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, shared Barnes’ delight about the forthcoming tournament, which will be five-a-side and played on a round-robin basis in which every team will play each other. “We are delighted to be involved with this event taking place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. I am sure it will attract football fans both young and old, who will have the unique opportunity of watching some greats in a one-off event,” he said.
For further information, contact the Irish Village on 042395000, or visit the DDF Football Legends Facebook page. Tickets start from Dh150, with 3,000 released for initial sales.
