He helped France sweep all before them on the world football map and was part of the Real Madrid `Galacticos’ that won two UEFA Champions League titles at the turn of the century.
The inimitable Christian Karembeu arrived back in his home country of New Caledonia to celebrate the Ground Breaking ceremony at the FIFA Goal Project in Paita and his trademark charm and humour wooed hundreds of fans as they clamoured for a glimpse of their Lifou-born super star.
Karembeu arrived to support the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) delegation in their bid to move the confederation headquarters to New Caledonia by 2011. Karembeu’s presence has helped smooth the path for any potential move with local community leaders giving the proposal their full support.
The Ground Breaking ceremony held by the Senat Coutumier was witnessed by hundreds of enthusiastic fans whilst youngsters cheered from a vantage point nearby. The New Caledonian government was represented by Southern Province president Phillipe Gomes and Vice-president Philippe Michael, and Païta Mayor, Harold Martin. Martin’s administration has committed 50% of the finance toward the relocation project as well as gifting land toward the total cost of the project.
This ambitious first stage project comprising of a national headquarters and technical centre with accommodation and a football turf playing field has received the full support from the community and we are delighted to be involved with it,” Martin said.
Karembeu was equally optimistic “This is a worthy project and I am happy to be involved with it. The plans and details of the proposal look excellent and with the co-operation of local and state governments I am sure it will fulfil its initial promise.”
OFC President Reynald Temarii was delighted with the outcome of the OFC delegation meetings with all local stakeholders and said any new development initiative based in New Caledonia would hold highly significant benefits for the wider region.
“The facilities being proposed include 3 full-sized pitches, a beach soccer pitch, futsal pitch and full administration block. I believe this will be a tremendous addition to OFC and a boost for the development of football throughout the South Pacific,” Temarii said.