System needed to rebuild Pak football: Anelka

ISLAMABAD: Rebuilding Pakistan’s soccer is a tiring endeavor that requires evolution of a system spanning over years, said former French star footballer Nicolas Anelka during his interaction with media here Tuesday.

The former French national, PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City talisman, who is now a coach, admitted Pakistan possessed football talent.

“Pakistan’s performance at junior level has been encouraging. What is needed, however, is to evolve a system that could ensure proper grooming of a player. Nourishing a player or executing a system is not that easy. It is a tough, painstaking and time consuming job,” Anelka said.

The former French player said that he had a special liking for Pakistan soccer.

“This is my second visit to Pakistan and I am hopeful for many more to come. I know that a nation of over 200 million people has special liking for football. They want to be amongst the leading football playing nations in the continent. I am here to help them. Whenever they require my services I will be available,” he said.

Anelka, who embraced Islam when he was 16, hailed Pakistan cricketers as the best around.

“Talent is in abundance. Pakistan cricketers are the best in the world and I hope that in the coming years the country would emerge as a better football nation.”

Ahmer Kunwar, Chief Executive TouchSky Group (TSG) that has announced a long-term partnership with the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), hoped that the future belonged to Pakistan footballers.

“I have already scooped up services of almost 89 Asian footballers in the European league and clubs. I know that Pakistan can also groom players for international clubs and leagues. We are here to help them.”

He said Anelka, who has been enlisted with the World Soccer Stars, is here for the purpose. Anelka also met PFF President Syed Ashfaq Shah to reinforce the development of the 20-point agenda to uplift football.

Syed Asfaq Shah welcomed Nicolas Anelka to Pakistan. “I really look forward to his input to help us develop a sustainable way forward offering Pakistan realistic goals.”

Robert Head of TSG-World Soccer Stars said: “I am delighted to discuss the real development needed for football uplift at grassroots level. I am committed to a sustainable growth in football and really impressed with the appetite football has in the market in Pakistan.”

World Soccer Stars is also a pulsating showcase football match and Akon concert all under one roof to be held in Karachi on April 27 and in Lahore on April 28. Junior player Abdullah, who led Pakistan in Street Child World Cup, and Bilal Lashari director/producer (The Legend of Maula Jatt) also spoke on the occasion.