Hernan Crespo to be event ambassador for Kolkata 25K

Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, the only 25km IAAF silver label race in the world, is set to bring home the ace marksman and three-time world cupper from Argentina, Hernan Jorge Crespo, as its International Event Ambassador.

The sixth edition of the event slated for December 15, will witness one of the greatest football strikers of all time, coming to a city that is home to Indian football.

A prolific striker, Crespo has scored over 300 goals in a career spanning 19 years. At international level, Crespo scored 35 goals and is Argentina's fourth highest goal scorer behind only Sergio Agüero, Gabriel Batistuta and Lionel Messi. He played in three FIFA World Cups: 1998, 2002, 2006.

At club level, Crespo was the world's most expensive player, when he was bought by Lazio from Parma in 2000 for €56 million (£35.5 million). He was top scorer in the 2000-01 Serie A with 26 goals, playing for Lazio.

Crespo's awards include three Serie A scudetti, a Copa Libertadores, a Premier League title with Chelsea and an Olympic Games silver medal. In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players. Crespo never received a red card during his career.

On his role as International Event Ambassador, Hernan Crespo commented: "I am honoured to be a part of the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K. As a footballer running has held a special place in my career. Whether it is sprinting from one end of the football

field to another or jogging waiting for the ball, running has been an important part of my life. Argentina have played here once and I know that in this city many people follow and support Argentina, so I am already feeling at home."

( With inputs from IANS )