Atletico to be without star players for Bangkok game
- Published: 24/07/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Sports
Europa League champions Atletico Madrid are likely to be without their top players when they play a Thai Premier League all-star side in a friendly next month.
Atletico Madrid players with forward Diego Forlan, centre, with the trophy after winning the Uefa Europa League final last season.
The match, called the PTT Thailand Invitation, will take place at Rajamangala stadium on August, 1 at 5pm.
Organisers said yesterday Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores had informed them that he would bring a strong squad to Bangkok featuring Jose Antonio Reyes, Raul Garcia, Tomas Ujfalusi and Fran Merida.
Unfortunately, superstars like Uruguay captain Diego Forlan, who won the best player award at the 2010 World Cup, Argentina striker Sergio Aguero and Portugal forward Simao are currently on vacation after their World Cup duties.
The organisers said they were negotiating with the Spanish club to bring the trio to Bangkok.
The all-star side will be coached by former Thailand striker Piyapong Pue-on and feature Nataporn Phanrit, Teerasil Dangda, Therdsak Chaiman, Michael Byrne and Ney Fabiano.
Atletico Madrid will arrive in Bangkok on July 31 and will stay at the Imperial Queen's Park Hotel.
Tickets from 100 to 2,000 baht will be available from Monday at Thai Ticket Major outlets and Star Soccer shops.
About the author
- Writer: Tor Chittinand
- Position: Reporter
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