Sporting legends came together to wish the island-nation of Singapore on its 50th year. Icons across several sports were involved in the making of a video addressed to its residents.
One of the world’s commercial hubs, Singapore, a former British colony, gained full independence in 1965, and is currently celebrating its 50th year since its expulsion from Malaysia following its independence from British rule.
SG50 is a national celebration of the event, and several celebrities, both national and international, have come together to commemorate it.
Among them was Jose Mourinho, manager of English football club Chelsea, who drew 2-2 with Swansea at Stamford Bridge last week as the 2015 season of the English Premier League got underway. That game saw Chelsea reduced to a 10-man side as keeper Courtois was sent off following a scuffle with Swansea striker Gomis.
Mourinho told viewers “you had to be proud” of the fact that Singapore’s national football team held four-time Asian champions Japan to a draw at the World Cup qualifiers in Tokyo this June.
Chelsea will next play City this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Scuderia Ferrari drivers Kimi Raikkonen and his teammate, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel were also part of the video. While Raikkonen’s future at Ferrari appears to now be uncertain, the two will race at the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Circuit next month. The two praised the night race, which is held on a street circuit that wends through the island.
Talk from within Formula One suggests the Finn may not be picked up for another season by the Italian team, and rumours are rife that his compatriot, Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, will be the one to fill the seat he vacates. Raikkonen has himself previously said that he will retire from the sport if he is not picked up by Ferrari.
L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant is also in the video, made on behalf of Swiss watchmakers Hublot, for whom each of the featured sportsmen is a brand ambassador.
The video concludes with Brazilian football legend Pele singing Happy Birthday.
