体坛英语新闻：John Barnes to support retired footballers in Ghana

ACCRA, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Former England and Liverpool international soccer star, John Barnes, arrived here on Friday to participate in a fund- raising dinner to support the country's retired footballers.

He will use the 10-day visit to appeal to the government and the corporate world to put in place structures that would ensure continuous support for retired footballers.

He said unlike in England where structures had been put in place to cater for retired sports men and women, the situation was different in most African countries, "That is why I am here to support them correct the situation."

The Liverpool legend expressed delight to be in the country and to work with the children saying "the youth need to be inspired; they need people like us to inspire them as they strive to get to the top.

Whilst here, Barnes whose visit lasts till August 1 is expected to hold a soccer clinic for under-16 footballers at the El-Wak stadium in the capital among other activities.

The star retired from football in 1999 before dipping his toes into the shark-infested waters of football coaching and has now retreated to the relative safety of media punditry.