We are here to change lives of kids: Salgado

Dubai - Former Real player dreams of unearthing new UAE star

 "My dream is to find a new UAE star," said former Real Madrid star Michel Salgado during the announcement of the du Football Champions Cup (duFC) which was unveiled at the Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai, on Tuesday.
"It's not only all about finding a new Lionel Messi or a new Cristiano Ronaldo, but more importantly my role (as the Director of the du Football Champions Cup and La Liga Global Ambassador) is to find a new UAE star. That's my dream now.
Speaking at the event, Salgado said, "It's great to be a part of the championship. We are here to share our passion and belief for football. We are here to change the lives of kids and I am a perfect example. My life changed with football.
"We are here to support kids to chase their dreams, to complete their education. In fact, it is more important to support and encourage the communities, the parents that's more important than finding a new Messi or Ronaldo here.
Salgado said he will be there for these kids (11 to 17 years), hand-picking the best talent to give them the best support and try and give them more training further to real football. "I am really glad that La Liga is with us in this endeavour. They have world class coaches, the facilities are good. It will give kids from the UAE great exposure and expertise to go forward to face professionals."
Salgado was all praise for La Liga saying the league is much more than just Barcelona and Real Madrid. "I've played for Celta Vigo, apart from Real Madrid. I played 15 years in La Liga and I must say technically it's the best league in the world.
"We have the best players, the two best teams, and for the first time in the history we have five teams in the Champions League.
I think it's a great example for any country in the world.
Fernando Sanz, Director General for Mena at La Liga and the first La Liga Global Ambassador, said, "On behalf of La Liga it's great to be here with our partners du to announce the du Football Champions Cup. We are proud to bring this initiative to the youth of UAE. This agreement reflects our faith in the talent of the UAE and our commitment to offer the best young footballers in the UAE a unique opportunity to up their game to world class standards.
"The Schools and Street Cup players have a chance to train with the world's best coaches of La Liga in order to compete at the higher level.
"La Liga stands for football excellence, determination, passion which makes dreams come true. This is what has made La Liga the most celebrated league for a while boating the most successful clubs and best players in the world. Michel Salgao is an example.
"With this partnership with du Football Champions Cup we are awaiting the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to emerge from the UAE," he concluded.