Calderon: Qatar is a hospitable country and will host the best ever World Cup

• Happy to visit Al-Sadd, the most successful side in Qatar
• The pitch here resembles that of the Santiago Bernabeu
• Every time I visit, I see a different country in terms of amazing development
• It will be the best World Cup in history for a number of reasons
• I wish to thank Al-Sadd and Qatar for the great reception

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon spoke of how happy he was to be in Qatar and to be able to visit the facilities of Al-Sadd Club.

During a two-day visit to Doha, Calderon spoke to the Al-Sadd Club website and said: “I am very happy to be in Qatar and happier to visit Al-Sadd accompanied by the head of football Mohammed Ghanem Al-Ali, who also took me to the club museum. The museum has a lot of titles, including the two Champions League titles from 1989 and 2011.”

He went on to add: “I know that Al-Sadd are the most successful side in Qatar. They are doing a great job here, especially with the facilities at the club. The pitch here resembles the one at Santiago Bernabeu.”

Calderon saluted all those who works at the club: “I want to salute all those who work here, you are doing excellent work. The same is true for the entire country. Every time I visit, I see a different country in terms of the development that is going on here aimed towards the 2022 World Cup.” He expressed his belief that Qatar would move ahead step by step in their work ahead of the 2022 World Cup and he congratulated all those who worked to realize this dream.

Calderon also said: “I have visited Qatar many times in recent years. My son has been living here for the past year. Every time I visit, I witness amazing work that is a treat to the eyes of the visitors. The Qatari people are very hospitable. Everyone can enjoy themselves here and this is what I expect at the 2022 World Cup.

“It will be the best World Cup in history, for a number of reasons. First, the players who come from the European leagues will do so after playing 12-15 games only, reducing their fatigue, instead of coming on the back of playing 50-60 games. Also, the fans will be able to attend up to 3 games in a day and this will be amazing for those who are attending.”

The former Real Madrid supremo concluded by saying: “A million people will visit Qatar for the World Cup and they will enjoy themselves in this beautiful country. I want to thank the officials of Al-Sadd Club and the State of Qatar for their wonderful reception and also all those who are working on this great organization.”