Source: Daily_Mail
Robbie Fowler and Diego Maradona head star-studded cast for Russia friendly
Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman have agreed to play in alongside Diego Maradona and a host of world stars in a showpiece friendly in Chechnya next Wednesday (May 11), the Russian republic's government haveclaimed. [LNB]The match has been arranged to mark the opening of a lavish new stadium for Terek Grozny, the club managed by former Chelsea and Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit.[LNB] 'God' and 'Hand of God': Fowler, dubbed 'God' by Liverpool fans (left), will team up with Argentina legend Maradona (right) to open Terek Grozny's new stadium[LNB] Luis Figo, Fabien Barthez, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Costacurta, Roberto Ayala, Enzo Francescoli, Jean-Pierre Papin, Christian Vieri and Ivan Zamorano have also been named as part of a side who will take on a Russian team led by Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov.[LNB] The organisers originally talked of attracting Manchester City, Barcelona or Juventus as opponents for the game.[LNB] The Italian club turned down an offer of almost ?1million to turn up.[LNB] In March, the Chechens paid hefty appearance fees to organise a friendly against members of Brazil's 2002 World Cup squad - including Romario, Dunga, Cafu and Bebeto - in which Gullit and Lothar Matthaus played for Kadyrov's side. [LNB]Some of the Brazilians later voiced regret at agreeing to play in a game that was seen as giving kudos to the republic's controversial administration. [LNB]Kadyrov, a 34-year-old former rebel fighter, has been accused of human rights abuses, which he denies.[LNB] England Under 21s primed for club v country row as Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere are called up for Euro finalBring on the Europa League! Liverpool striker Suarez defends quest for fifth placeGetting shirty! NBA star LeBron James shows his support for Liverpool[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Christian Vieri, Diego Maradona Places: Barcelona, Liverpool, Newcastle, Argentina, Brazil, Russia
