"Sports promote peace and this initiative for developing football infrastructure and young talent in Pakistan is a welcome step," the COAS told the former Ballon d'Or winner who is in Pakistan as an ambassador of the Pakistan Football League spearheaded by Global Soccer Venture (GSV).

In a series of tweets, PTV Sports welcomed the former footballer and shared a video of his arrival at the Islamabad International Airport.

The state broadcaster said the “uncrowned king of the world of football” came to Islamabad to promote international football in Pakistan in collaboration with GSV.

Owen, who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United in a stellar career during which he also won the Ballon d'Or in 2021, will also attend a dinner hosted by President Arif Alvi.

According to a GSV press release, Owen would also meet PM Imran Khan and Special Assistant to PM on Youth Affairs Usman Dar to outline the GSV’s football transformation programme for Pakistan.

“Michael Owen will lay the foundation stone of the first soccer city in Karachi, in addition to outlining a programme to revive football in Pakistan by GSV,” it read. The GSV, on January 5, 2022, signed a 10-year agreement worth $12million with the NED University of Engineering & Technology to set up a ‘Soccer City’ Stadium.

On January 23, Owen in a video post had said: “Salaam Pakistan, I am thrilled to play my part in helping Global Soccer Venture with their attempts to revamp soccer in Pakistan. Look forward to see you soon.”

Last year in September, the former English footballer had signed a three-year deal to become the official ambassador of the Pakistan Football League.

Owen on December 5, 2021, announced that he has joined the Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive.

Owen, who played for the English national team as well as football clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool, said that the drive will train youth by creating a “soccer city” in Pakistan.

“I am proud to partner with PM Imran Khan Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive on behalf of GSV to mobilize the youth of Pakistan for football,” he said in a video statement.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had congratulated Owen on becoming an ambassador for the Kamyab Jawan Drive, stating that it was an “excellent opportunity” to find talent in Pakistan.