Argentine football icon Veron supports Dubai's 'Be Fit, Be Safe' campaign

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Former Inter Milan midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron holding a jersey during a career achievement ceremony on March 31, 2019, in Milan. (AFP)

Dubai - Veron captained Argentine club Estudiantes to the final of the Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2009

By James Jose

Published: Wed 15 Apr 2020, 2:37 PM

Last updated: Wed 15 Apr 2020, 8:38 PM

Former Argentine international and Premier League winner Juan Sebastian Veron has added more heft to the Dubai Sports Council's (DSC) 'Be Fit, Be Safe' campaign by sending out a vital message on the importance of social distancing.
The midfielder was a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United team that clinched the Premiership in the 2002-03 season.

Juan Sebastian Veron, former star of the Argentine national football team, Manchester United and Inter Milan, has joined the Dubai Sports Council initiative to train at home,"Be fit, be safe" and directed a message to everyone who lives in Dubai and the UAE through this video. pic.twitter.com/cpcddj5zIm
- Dubai Sports Council (@DubaiSC) April 15, 2020

"Hello everyone. I'm Veron speaking to all my friends in Dubai and the UAE. It is important, very important in this moment to stay home, and be fit and be safe. Bye," Veron said in a video message which has been shared on the DSC's social media platforms.
Veron, capped 73 times by Argentina, during which he scored nine goals, also has a connection with the UAE.
He captained Argentine club Estudiantes to the final of the Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi in 2009.
Backed by their passionate fans, some of whom had sold their homes and cars to make the long-haul sojourn to the UAE capital, Estudiantes had beaten South Korean side Pohang Steelers to set up a final date with European heavyweights FC Barcelona.
And it was a bright start with Mauro Boselli sending the red and white stripes into raptures. Victory and the Cup was within handshaking distance but Pedro threw the Blaugrana a lifeline by scoring the equaliser, with a minute left on the clock.
The match spilled into extra time and it was to be a heartbreaking ending for Veron and the Los Pincharratas as the genius Lionel Messi scored the winner on 110 minutes.
Veron -- the fulcrum of the Lazio team that beat the start-studded Juventus, AC Milan and Inter for the 2000 Serie A title -- won the Silver Ball at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Club World Cup with the Golden Ball going to his compatriot Messi.
Veron, 45, who is currently the chairman of Estudiantes, also won the Serie A title with Inter Milan in 2006.
james@khaleejtimes.com