Figo set for India visit

Luis Figo is set to become the next football star to set foot in India, lending his presence to the Youth Champions League (YCL) in Goa.

The YCL is a football festival with more than 250 schools expected to participate, and will be held over five days, from October 29 to November 2.

“Considering the YCL is in October-November, the possibility of getting a current football star was out of the question as the season begins in August,” said Vinit Rughani, head of business development for the company responsible for bringing the former Portugal star to Indian shores.

“We thought getting someone who has only just retired from the game would let youngsters build an easy connect and there are few better than Luis Figo who fit the bill.”

Rughani managed to rope in the former Real Madrid star thanks to his association with Football by Carlos Queiroz – the soccer academy run by the current coach of the Iran national team.

Fifteen selected participants from the YCL will also be sent for a 15-day training stint at the former Portugal national team coach’s academy.

“We connected with Figo through his agent and he agreed without much debate,” Rughani added.

Figo is expected to arrive in Goa on November 1, and his itinerary will include participating in a game of football, where youngsters selected from the competition will take part.