Legendary World Cup striker Gary Lineker has been picked to conduct the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Draw scheduled for the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow on December 1.
Lineker, who won the adidas Golden Boot at Mexico 1986 and is a TV Presenter, will be ably supported by Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya and eight draw assistants including Russian football legend Nikita Simonyan.
The other seven and the presenters of the show will be unveiled in the coming days.
Speaking on his role, Lineker said: “As a player, I was fortunate enough to take part in the World Cup finals on two occasions. It is quite special to be involved in yet another tournament — now on the stage, unveiling the results of the draw. I have been on the other side, waiting to find out my opponents, and I know how exciting this occasion is.”
On the invitation extended to Lineker, FIFA Deputy Secretary General Zvonimir Boban said: “We at FIFA are really pleased that Gary has accepted our invitation and that he will be with us for such an important occasion for the world of football. Following a football career as a legendary goalscorer, which was marked with a burning passion for the game, Gary continued in the same light as a football expert. His honest and open views together with his in-depth knowledge of the game greatly enrich the world of football journalism. It is therefore an honour that Gary will conduct the Final Draw for the World Cup in Russia.”
Komandnaya also spoke about the World Cup. She said: “The draw is an extraordinary time.”
“Millions of fans are holding their breath, hoping their dreams will come true. It’s the time when the World Cup officially begins.
“I believe that football is a universal language, capable of bringing people together from all around the world. And it’s the time when all of us can speak football. I’m so thrilled to have the chance to help conduct one of the greatest sports events. I want to show fans how beautiful my country is and how excited we are to host the World Cup. We are so passionate about what we do, and about football. Believe me, it will be a truly extraordinary event.” she added.
Photo Credit: FIFA
