Roma legends to face Real Madrid in charity match at Bernabeu

A Roma legends team will face their Real Madrid counterparts in the 2017 Corazón Classic Match, 'Heartbeats for Africa', on 11 June at the Santiago Bernabéu.

On Friday he presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu was the venue for the announcement of the eighth edition of the traditional charity clash, which is organised by the Real Madrid Foundation.

The proceeds of the game will go towards projects in Africa.

The event was headed by Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Mauro Baldissoni, Roma's general manager.

Real Madrid’s honorary president Paco Gento; first team players Lucas Vázquez, Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal; veteran players from both clubs including Santiago Solari, Guti, Ivan Helguera, Bruno Conti and Alessio Scarchilli - as well as various members of both clubs' organisational structures and patrons of the foundation - were also in attendance.

"Football is the best-loved sport in the world and brings people together," Baldissoni said. "That's why we feel obliged to give something back to those whose passion brings this sport to life."

Real Madrid president Perez made the announcement, thanking the Giallorossi for their agreement to participate.

“I want to express our thanks to a club we love and consider our friend, one of the great European clubs, Roma, for accepting this invitation," Perez said. "Real Madrid consider it an honour to have their presence.

"Football must be an example of solidarity … and help the less fortunate.”

Bruno Conti, a World Cup winner with Roma in 1982 and now a club representative, believes the occasion will be a special one for everyone who attends.

"I was lucky enough to win the World Cup at the Bernabeu," Conti said. "We'll have the chance to see some old friends. More than 70,000 people always get involved in these events and, given it's a charity match, the fans are the real winners."

Former Giallorossi defender Alessio Scarchili will organise the Roma squad for the contest.

"We're truly honoured to have been invited to take part in this match," Scarchili noted. "The Corazon Classic Match is a very important initiative and Real Madrid are setting a good example by organising events like these."

Click here to buy tickets for the game in Madrid.