Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo could play a friendly match in India in the future. Kerala Football Association (KFA) Secretary P. Anil Kumar told Manorama News that efforts are being made to try and bring the Portuguese to the country. Football fans from all around the country are expected to turn up if Ronaldo makes a visit to the nation.
Friendly scheduled to be held in Kerala
KFA are planning to organise a friendly game in the Trivandrum International Stadium, in the capital of the state. The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year has a huge number of followers in Kerala and the football crazy crowd is expected to relish the opportunity to see the superstar play in their stadium.
The date and details of the match have not been fixed yet but the efforts to make it happen have already started. The popularity of football in Kerala, that came to the spotlight through the ISL, is sure to help the organisers with publicity of the match and it could do great in further promotion of the sport.
Messi has earlier played a friendly in Kolkata
Ronaldo’s nemesis Lionel Messi has already visited India with Argentina in 2011, to play a friendly game against Venezuela at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. Argentina ran out 1-0 winners in the game. The Argentine also said that India had left an ever-lasting impression on him after his visit 4 years ago. "The last time I stepped into India, I was overwhelmed with the warmth and passion this country showered on me. India left its famously lasting impression and with that lingering memory, my family and I have always wanted to develop an association with the country," Messi said.
Messi has also made a significant association with India’s largest automobile company Tata motors as their global ambassador for the passenger vehicles category. This is the first time that Messi will endorse an Indian brand. This endorsement from the world’s best footballer is bound to get attention and strengthen his fan base in the country.
Ronaldo, on the other hand, announced his tie up with Sachin Tendulkar and Smaaash entertainment earlier in December and could possibly be looking to bolster his following in the peninsular nation and the friendly game in football-crazy Kerala will be a perfect way to do just that.
