Noble support:

Naguib Mahfouz blesses Egypt's bid

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Minister of Youth Dr Alieddin Hilal paid a special visit this week to Egypt's Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz to discuss the country's current preparations for hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Mahfouz, 92, expressed his joy at Egypt's offering to host the 2010 showpiece, asking the minister to convey a message to the members of the FIFA inspection committee who are currently visiting Egypt.

In his message, Mahfouz said that the Egyptian people will be delighted in the event that they have the honour of hosting the World Cup.

"The love of sport is deep-rooted in Egyptian society since the Pharaonic era," he said. "As the 5,000-year-old walls testify, Egypt was one of the first nations to practise sports. A hospitable peoples, the Egyptians will do their best to make the World Cup succeed."

Mahfouz recounted his memories about football and how he was playing as a centre-half player in Al-Abbassiya football team.

Mohamed Salmawi, editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram Hebdo, documented the discussion.