Silvestre to visit Dubai this week

Dubai: Arsenal's Mikael Silvestre, one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the Premier League, will be visiting the Arsenal Soccer School to meet newly-enrolled students this Friday.

There were no first-day blues for young pupils learning to play 'the Arsenal way' as the gates opened yesterday at the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai at the Sevens, Emirates' dedicated sporting venue.

Silvestre will be paying a visit to the Arsenal Soccer School to meet the new batch of students and let them benefit from his experience. The 32-year-old French defender has a wealth of experience gained from his 40 international caps. These include caps garnered at the 2006 Fifa World Cup and during his 14 years of playing at the highest level.

The Dubai-based Arsenal Soccer School is a joint venture between Arsenal and Emirates. Boys and girls of all ages benefit from learning how to 'Play the Arsenal Way'.

Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman of Emirates Airline & Group, said: "There is no better way to learn than from benefiting from the knowledge and experience of those currently playing top-level football.

"One of the foundations on which the Arsenal Soccer School Dubai was built, was that, along with Arsenal, we would be bringing these top flight players to Dubai to meet those pupils who have enrolled in the school.

"This is one of the added values that we are able to offer, in addition to the permanent base for the school at our dedicated sports venue."

In addition to the high level of coaching, Emirates and Arsenal are committed to ensuring that all those enrolled in the school get to spend time with players who have already learnt from Arsene Wenger, the club's first-team coach who is renowned for his skill in nurturing young talent.

Silvestre follows in the footsteps of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, full-back Gael Clichy and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, to visit Dubai though Emirates' sponsorship of Arsenal and share their knowledge with the football fans in the region.

"I am really looking forward to meeting the boys and girls who have signed up for the first term of the Arsenal Soccer School in Dubai. I know that they will have fun, and learn a great deal from the Arsenal coaching methods," Silvestre said.