Thuram visit boosts Palestine football

Former France defender Lilian Thuram will launch the opening of a new football stadium in El-Bireh, Ramallah, on Thursday.

The 1998 World Cup winner has taken time to visit the Qalandia refugee camp in Ramallah, where he met with boys studying at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) school.

The 142-time France representative has been invited by the Palestinian Football Association to open the new stadium.

“I think it is very important to come to these places to see the reality and this is the case of Palestine,” Thuram said.

“It is a personal experience and it is a very important visit.”

Thuram said it was important to understand the traditions of the locals, particularly the younger children.

“I found that it is very important to understand the children’s history and their culture,” Thuram said.

“I am originally from Caribbean Islands and my favourite dance is the traditional dance of the Caribbean Islands.”

In 2010, France contributed almost US$10million to the UNRWA.

UNRWA spokesperson Chris Guinness said it was important for the area to benefit from the presence of a French football legend.