Internet Desk: Just before the FIFA U17 World Cup, Indian football lovers might get another dream gift as Portuguese phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo. Spanish legend Carles Puyol will be in India on 15th May to be a part of the official ticket launch programme and now in discussion with the top bosses and to bring Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo In India when the draw will take place.
The draw is scheduled to take place on July 7 in Mumbai and the AIFF are keen to bring in the European Championships winner from Portugal last year to the country. “We are talking to Portugal Football Federation. We also are trying to interact with Ronaldo’s agent. If he is free on that particular day, he will be gracing the FIFA U-17 World Cup draw function in Mumbai on July 7,” said AIFF president Praful Patel to Hindustan Times.
Ronaldo’s club season with Real Madrid ends on June 4 when Los Blancos take on Juventus in the Champions League final with the league drawing to a close on May 21. Thereafter, he is expected to lead Portugal to Russia for the Confederations Cup which begins on June 17 and ends on July 2.
The news comes at a time when Ronaldo had proclaimed on social media that he has desire to visit India. Upon reaching 100 million followers on Instagram, Cristiano Ronaldo went live and amongst many things, said, “India is a place that I wanna go soon [sic].”
FIFA Under-17 World Cup kicks off on October 6 with the final in Kolkata on October 28. India will be part of the 24-team tournament as hosts – first time India are playing a FIFA tournament.