Abel Xavier
Former Portuguese international defender Abel Xavier has commented again on his conversion to Islam ahead of the Match against Poverty in Lisbon tonight.
Xavier will take part in the charity match to raise money for Haiti earthquake victims in Lisbon tonight.
He admitted that he was introduced to Islam during his spell at Galatasaray in 2003, but waited for the end of his career before announcing his conversion.
The former Everton and Liverpool defender has now dedicated his life to "embrace peace and to do more with a strong and peaceful mind. My future is set aside for major projects, I am open to anything be it from citizens, business or governments."
Xavier, now named Faisal, added on the Haiti earthquake: "The emergency response was remarkable, regardless of colour, race or religion. But we cannot stop."
Other players taking part in the match this evening include Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Pavel Nedved, Michael Laudrup, Edgar Davids, Luis Figo, Georghe Hagi and Fernando Hierro.
