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The former
Chelsea and Newcastle defender is the latest star to be unveiled for the
inaugural international six-a-side tournament, which will be held at London's
O2 Arena from July 13 to 16.
Babayaro was
famous for his acrobatics until it was revealed he had broken a metatarsal, but
he insists it will not stop him celebrating in style if he scores at the Dome
this summer.
"If I score the odd goal at
Star Sixes, the backflip could well be on again," said Babayaro, who will
again join forces with international team-mate Jay-Jay Okocha, plus other big
names still to be announced, when they kick off at the tournament against China
on Thursday, July 13.
"It was
a bit of a misconception that I broke my leg doing it after scoring for
Chelsea. I had actually fractured my fifth metatarsal on the training ground,
not in the game. But it was a story that stuck."
Babayaro has
no problem with his fitness now, though, and can't wait to play for his country
again this summer.
As well as
China, Nigeria also face group encounters with Italy and Brazil in the 12-team
tournament that features a galaxy of stars from the world of football, all
recently retired from the professional game.
Icons such
as Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Roberto Carlos, Deco, Carles Puyol, Robert
Pires, Rio Ferdinand and Marcel Desailly will all be in action for their
countries, vying for the honour of claiming the first Star Sixes title in the
final on Sunday 16 July.
"It
will be a new-style tournament, with superstars from international football
taking part, and I can't wait for it," continued Babayaro. "It should
be really exciting for us players, and the fans, and it will be a chance to
interact with them more than usual, doing photos and autographs."
He added:
"Pulling on the green and white of the Super Eagles will bring the memories
flooding back.
"There
are some great players that I played against as well, the likes of Michael
Owen, Gerrard and David James, so it should be a special tournament."
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