|
|
England stars Wayne Rooney & Steven Gerrard withdraw from soccer skills event
Neither player feels it would be appropriate right now...
30 Jun 2010 12:41:00
By Zack Wilson
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney are amongst world stars who will not now be competing at a football skills contest that was planned for July in London but has now been postponed for a year.
A:3K Football was scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena and would have featured the England duo, along with Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and David Villa of Barcelona.
It was billed as a "gladiatorial skills-based challenge" and would have been played out on black astroturf accompanied by light shows.
However, the date of July 17 is only a week after the World Cup final, in which only Fabregas and Villa still have any chance of being involved.
England exited at the weekend to Germany amid national anguish at the poor level of their performance, whilst Ronaldo's Portugal were knocked out by Spain on Tuesday evening, with many criticising his own displays at the tournament.
Drogba's Ivory Coast went out after the group stages with the striker having sustained an arm injury ahead of the competition.
Fabgregas has hardly featured for Spain, and the organisers of the event now plan to hold it next summer instead.
"Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have made it clear they believe it would be inappropriate for them to participate in A:3K at this time," Terry Byrne, director of A:3K, told The Daily Mail.
"We fully understand and respect both players' decisions. We could have replaced them with two other players but feel the players involved are six of the best in the world - and that is what we promised we would deliver.
"Having consulted all parties involved, everyone agreed the only decision possible was to postpone the event until next summer when we intend to deliver the same six player line-up."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
A:3K Football was scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena and would have featured the England duo, along with Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and David Villa of Barcelona.
It was billed as a "gladiatorial skills-based challenge" and would have been played out on black astroturf accompanied by light shows.
However, the date of July 17 is only a week after the World Cup final, in which only Fabregas and Villa still have any chance of being involved.
England exited at the weekend to Germany amid national anguish at the poor level of their performance, whilst Ronaldo's Portugal were knocked out by Spain on Tuesday evening, with many criticising his own displays at the tournament.
Drogba's Ivory Coast went out after the group stages with the striker having sustained an arm injury ahead of the competition.
Fabgregas has hardly featured for Spain, and the organisers of the event now plan to hold it next summer instead.
"Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have made it clear they believe it would be inappropriate for them to participate in A:3K at this time," Terry Byrne, director of A:3K, told The Daily Mail.
"We fully understand and respect both players' decisions. We could have replaced them with two other players but feel the players involved are six of the best in the world - and that is what we promised we would deliver.
"Having consulted all parties involved, everyone agreed the only decision possible was to postpone the event until next summer when we intend to deliver the same six player line-up."
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
