President Japarov receives Barça Legends squad

President Sadyr Japarov today met with representatives of FC Barcelona led by President Joan Laporta, who arrived in Kyrgyzstan for opening of Barcelona Football Academy in Jalal-Abad and other events, president’s press service reported.

President Japarov said Kyrgyzstanis did not miss a single game and admired the goals scored by each of them.

“The players of the Barcelona club have conquered many heights with their skills. All over the world, you raise interest among young people who love football, motivate them to train tirelessly. You are a real legend for young people who are passionate about football. Among you are the players who won six titles in the 2008/2009 season, setting an unprecedented record in world football,” President Japarov said.

The President said with their visit to Kyrgyzstan, the legends of FC Barcelona would give fans from Kyrgyzstan many bright emotions, and the dream of fans would come true: they will see the legends playing live.
President Japarov talked about his love for football from childhood, when he played football with his peers on the streets of his village. Since then, his life has been closely connected with this sport. Football is widely spread in Kyrgyzstan. For those who really love it, the sport has truly become part of their lives, he said.

The President expressed hope that young football players of Kyrgyzstan, inspired by the meeting with the legends of the club, would lead the country to the World Cup in the future.

President Japarov thanked the guests for their visit to the country and the football holiday they presented to the people of Kyrgyzstan.

The President of the FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, said lauded opening of the Football Academy of the club he leads in Kyrgyzstan. He stressed that the teaching methodology will be the same as in the headquarters. Barça is not just a club, its goal is to spread values to the whole world, he said.

Laporta expressed gratitude to President Sadyr Japarov for the opportunity to open football academies of the Club in Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the personal merit of the head of state in this.

He also spoke about their plans for the upcoming match with the legends of Asia, which will be held on August 30 at the Omurzako Stadium in Bishkek.

“We are getting ready for the game and we want to put on a good show. The value of each team is to win, but we always try to show a beautiful game, so our feature is in our style. We are a team that appreciates the best qualities of a person and tries to reveal them,” said Joan Laporta.

In conclusion, President Sadyr Japarov once again noted that Kyrgyzstan is always open to world football stars and expressed hope for their frequent visits to the country.