BRAZILIAN soccer ace Jairzhino was kicking up excitement all over the region this week when he visited a number of clubs with a view to setting up soccer academies.
The world-famous scorer, who played with Pele and stormed to victory in the 1970 World Cup, being the only player to hit the back of the net in every round, is looking for sponsorship for his soccer school in Rio de Janeiro and also plans to set up placements for his young players with English teams. One of his protgs is already training with Wigan Athletic.
Jairzhino has received plenty of media coverage of his tour thanks to Warrington comedian Charlie Hale. Charlie, a former professional footballer himself, who says he idolised the top player in his youth, is using his contacts to raise awareness of the Brazilian's quest.
The pair will also be at a celebrity dinner tomorrow, Friday, at the Liverpool Moat House Hotel. Some tickets for the event are still available, call Guardian reporter Suzanne Elsworth on 434114 for details.
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