With just a few days to kick-off of the first ever Emirates Airline Dubai Football 7s, former Liverpool star Dietmar ‘Didi’ Hamann is relishing the prospect of playing alongside one of the club’s icons, Ian Rush, at 7he Sevens.

The two will be part of the Liverpool side that will play in the Legends tournament this weekend where they will come up against other legends teams from AC Milan, Arsenal, Celtic, Chelsea, Manchester United, Rangers and the UAE 1990 World Cup team.

It was, in fact against AC Milan that Hamann experienced one of the highlights of his Liverpool career, with his club famously triumphing over the Italian side in the 2005 Champions League final.

“That was an epic game and one which I will never forget as long as I live,” said Hamann of the match which Liverpool eventually won 3-2 on penalties.

“Obviously quite a lot of time has passed since then, but I am looking forward to playing against some of those AC Milan guys again in Dubai. They have a very strong line-up coming to play in the Emirates Airline Dubai Football 7s and I am certain they will provide a tough challenge to all the other teams,” added the German midfielder who represented Liverpool in 191 league games between 1999 to 2006, and played an important part in their treble-winning season (2000/01) which consisted of success in the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

“We also have a strong Liverpool team though and it’s going to be great to have the opportunity to play alongside someone like Ian Rush. I am really looking forward to this weekend and I think the supporters who come along to the tournament are in for a real treat,” said Hamann.

Tickets to see the legends as well as 8 professional sides and over 300 amateur teams in action this weekend, from March 11-13, will be available at the gate at 7he Sevens from Thursday. Entry is free on Thursday, while Friday tickets are Dh125 and Saturday tickets are Dh150. Season tickets for both Friday and Saturday are Dh200. Children under 12 enter free of charge.

There will be a children’s play area in the village with numerous inflatable games and other fun activities on offer, as well as a dedicated family stand. Special autograph signing sessions will take place throughout Friday and Saturday in the village, for fans to get the chance to meet their favourite players.

And once the action has come to an end on the pitch, the crowds can continue the party atmosphere with popular Dubai-based band, the Maple Jacks playing on Friday night while DJ Tim Cheddar will be keeping the entertainment going on Saturday night.

A free bus service will be on offer to transport fans from 7he Sevens back to several convenient locations across Dubai.

For team information and the legends and professionals schedule, log on to: www.dubaifootball7s.com.