SOME OF the top footballers of yesteryear are looking forward to this weekend’s British Airways Legends Football Tournament.
The first batch of players arrived in the island yesterday for the tournament that will feature teams representing defending champions Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton.
Among those coming in were former Real Madrid and Blackburn Rovers defender Michel Salgado, ex-Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sean Davis and former Chelsea striker and current manager of Watford, Gianfranco Zola.
Speaking to MIDWEEK SPORT, Salgado said that this was an opportunity for former players to show that they still had “it” and to demonstrate the importance of playing for charity.
“This is an opportunity for ex-players to play against each other in good spirits and to stay fit,” said the former Spanish international.
Also on his third visit is former Chelsea midfielder and current manager of Brighton and Hove Albion, Gus Poyet, who played and lost in the final on his previous visit.
He said the tournament was best enjoyed when playing with old teammates, but the competitive nature was still there.
“It is always good to play with your old teammates, but it’s funny how, when the tournament starts it becomes more competitive as everyone hopes to win,” Poyet said.
Davis was already feeling at home.
“I love the island. One of my best friends is from the island. It’s so laid-back. Everyone’s so friendly. The weather is good and there’s nothing to complain about,” he said.
Other legends down to participate include former West Bromwich Albion and 2012 Champions League winning manager Roberto Di Matteo and former Manchester United player and Trinidad and Tobago international Dwight Yorke. (CC
