Former Manchester United Star Phil Jones to Grace Apollo Tyres' Road to Old Trafford Finals in Chennai on April 6

Former Manchester United star and ex-England international Phil Jones is set to visit India on April 6 to attend the finals of the third edition of Apollo Tyres' Road to Old Trafford, a premier five-a-side football tournament supported by Manchester United. The grand finale will take place in Chennai, following intense qualifying rounds in Pune and New Delhi.

Jones, a decorated player with a Premier League title, UEFA Europa League, and FA Cup victories to his name, has also represented England in two FIFA World Cups. Over his 12-year stint at Old Trafford, the versatile defender made 219 appearances for the Red Devils.

The Road to Old Trafford tournament witnessed fierce competition in its qualifying stages. In Pune and New Delhi, 40 teams competed for a coveted spot in the finals. The top six teams that emerged victorious include Stilton Cafe (Delhi), Tajore Cafe (Delhi), BP Street (Noida) from the Delhi leg, and Three Wise Monkey (Mumbai), Swig (Pune), and K-Bar (Goa) from Pune. These teams will now battle it out in Chennai for the ultimate prize.

The victorious team will earn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Manchester for an all-expenses-paid trip and play at the iconic Old Trafford stadium, famously known as the "Theatre of Dreams." The global finale, featuring teams from various countries, will be held on June 6 at the legendary venue.

Remus D'Cruz, Head of Sports Marketing and Communities at Apollo Tyres Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the competition, saying, "I congratulate all the teams that have qualified for the finale and will play for an opportunity to go to the iconic Old Trafford. It is a remarkable achievement and a prestigious opportunity, given the stadium's rich history, devoted fanbase, being the home of Manchester United, one of the world's most successful football clubs."

He further added, "Through the 'Road to Old Trafford' initiative, we strive to celebrate India's passion for football and provide talented players with a platform to showcase their skills. We hope this initiative serves as a catalyst, inspiring and empowering young Indian footballers to elevate their game to new heights."

This edition of the tournament has been particularly inclusive, opening up participation to amateur players and giving aspiring footballers across India the chance to shine. With Jones' presence adding to the excitement, the Chennai finale promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football in the country.