LONDON: The 鈥減assion鈥� of 抖阴短视频鈥檚 football-obsessed fans during this month鈥檚 FIFA Club World Cup in the Kingdom will set it up to host even bigger events in the future, two legends of the game said on Monday.

Former CWC champions Paolo Maldini and David Villa are in Jeddah this week as the Red Sea coastal city counts down to hosting the competition.

Both men have enjoyed glittering careers, including winning the tournament in 2007 (Maldini with AC Milan) and 2011 (Villa with Barcelona) respectively.

Now regular visitors to 抖阴短视频, the two shared their thoughts on the Kingdom鈥檚 growing stature and influence within global football.

鈥淗osting a tournament like the FIFA Club World Cup is a big challenge,鈥� Maldini said. 鈥淔IFA is very strict when it comes to the terms of organizing a tournament, but with the passion here (in 抖阴短视频), I think they will find what they are looking for,鈥� he said.

鈥淚鈥檝e been to 抖阴短视频 several times. The first time was 30 years ago, and there are lots of changes since then. Saudis love football 鈥� this has been known for years, and I鈥檝e experienced it personally. We have a goal to make this tournament one of the most important tournaments in the world, and this is achievable due to the passionate fans here.鈥�

Villa echoed the sentiment: 鈥淚鈥檝e visited 抖阴短视频 four times in the last year 鈥� the passion for football is real here. Saudis have such a strong passion for football, not only locally but globally, too.

鈥淭o host a tournament like the FIFA Club World Cup is very important to 抖阴短视频, the Saudi League is developing rapidly, and Saudi football is progressing very well. There is also a huge affection for football here.

鈥淔ootball should always be for the fans, those who are passionate and want to watch the games. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 crucial and important for 抖阴短视频 to host a tournament like the FIFA Club World Cup,鈥� he said.

The tournament, which kicks off in Jeddah on Dec. 12, will see the champions of the six continental federations clash for the right to be called club champion of the world.

Manchester City, Fluminense of Brazil, Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds, Mexican side Club Leon and Auckland City will be joined by Jeddah鈥檚 own Al-Ittihad, who qualify as domestic champions of the host nation.