Camp Nou treat for Jaidi

By Brian Brownstein

Radhi Jaidi is humbled to be taking part in the FIFA/UEFA Football For Hope tsunami relief match at Camp Nou in Barcelona tonight.

Stellar cast
A stellar cast of players have been divided into two teams - a World XI led by FC Barcelona's Ronaldinho and a European team captained by AC Milan and Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko. Tunisian international Jaidi will turn out for the World XI and the sense of occasion is not lost on the CAF African Cup of Nations winner.

Bringing joy
"There are going to be some incredible players on show but the reason for the game must not be forgotten," he told uefa.com. "It was a terrible thing that happened and just because people are naturally now getting on with their lives does not mean we should forget what's going on over there. The night will be a time for reflection and to remember those people who so tragically lost their lives, but also hopefully a means of bringing some joy to all those people who survived and who have suffered so much."

Substantial boost
The match, which is expected to be a sell-out, will give the aid effort a substantial boost, yet Jaidi is self-effacing about what he is doing for the victims of the disaster. The Bolton Wanderers FC player said: "As footballers we are in a very fortunate position and I'm humbled to be given the chance to do my bit for all those people who have suffered such anguish."

Unmissable opportunity
From a footballing point of view, Jaidi, 29, is excited by the prospect of taking the field with so many world-class players. The centre-back has never played with the majority of stars who will be on show and is relishing the opportunity to do so. "It will be great to play with so many fantastic players," he said. "Whenever you play in a team with good players around you it's always easier to raise your game, and I'm hoping to perform well. It will be an honour to be on the same side as the likes of Cafu and Kaká, and I'm especially looking forward to playing with Ronaldinho.

'Quite incredible'
"I've never seen what he can do with a football close-up, so I'm excited to see just how good he is. With it being an exhibition match I'm expecting to see a few tricks from him as well. What that man can do with a football is quite incredible and it's certainly better to be playing with him than against him."

Result unimportant
Despite his excitement, Jaidi is keen to keep everything in perspective. While he wants to play well and hopes the game will be of superior quality, he is firmly focused on the cause in hand. He does not care if he is a winner or a loser at the end of the night and reveals the main reason why he is so excited to be taking part in the match.

'Wonderful spectactle'
"The point of the game is not so much marking the likes of Shevchenko out of the game," he said. "The reason for the match is to help people and that must not be forgotten. Yes, I want to play to my best, but first and foremost I want to perform well in order to cheer people up rather than for the sake of winning or losing. I just hope it's a wonderful spectacle."

Radhi Jaidi's personal website is at www.icons.com