Accra, Aug 30, GNA 96 Marcel Desailly, the Ghanaian born former international defender of the French national team will be among the array of international soccer icons invited to attend the global launching of the CAN 2008 slated for Friday, September 8.

Mr Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) who disclosed this to the GNA Sports described the mood of the Ghanaian born star as hilarious and eager to participate in the historic event.

He is absolutely excited when his role was explained to him=94 Mr Danquah said.

The Ghanaian born star is expected in the country on September 6, and will also take part in a football clinic on September 9, at the University of Ghana, a day after the global launch.

Mr Danquah said that Desailly is also very much interested in participating in the football clinic where he would be expected to impart his knowledge to the over 200 children participating in the clinic, that is aimed at aspiring the youth to take after the football stars.

The LOC official said the invitation of Desailly was based on his willingness to participate in events that would raise Ghana's image in the sport as well as its development.

The Ghanaian born star was part of the historic French squad that won the World Cup in 1998 and was the captain of the victorious team. Other football icons expected to grace the occasion are Abedi Ayew Pele, Roger Milla, Mohammed Ahmed Polo and Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio. Also expected to attend the function are Coaches Sam Arday and Ibrahim Sunday as well as Ben Koufie, who was once the Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Alhaji Issa Hayatou, President of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) would be the Special Guest of Honour at the global launching.

The participating children will be given opportunities within the two-hour event to win quality footballs and photographs to be autographed by the icons as well as posing for photographs with the football luminaries.