” “"Fifty years ago, football was associated with one’s country. Today, it is a continental phenomenon as well" and "in all European stadiums, there is an endless mixing and matching of different nationalities, for both players and fans". The EU institutions took inspiration from this fact to launch a celebratory sports event for the anniversary of the EEC Treaties. On 13th March, "the European Union will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary with a football match organised by Manchester United". "There’s a reason behind this choice: the building of Europe and football have a common history that goes beyond their calendars". The match will be hosted by the Old Trafford Stadium, with Manchester United playing Europa XI, "a team composed of today’s top players". The team will be headed by Marcello Lippi, the former coach of the Italian national team that won the World Cup 2006: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher (Liverpool) have already signed in. José Manuel Barroso, president of the Commission, stated: "This event is an excellent way of attracting attention to the fiftieth anniversary of the EU. Football is a wonderful sport that excites the Europeans like no other and makes them share a common passion and a common language".” “
