Football stars launched campaign in Shanghai schools

Barcelona legend Carles Puyol rubbed shoulders with fellow greats in China following his appointment as the latest in a star-studded line-up of Laureus Ambassadors.

With his future as a player uncertain, the former Spain defender took on the off-field role ahead of Wednesday night's Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai.

He then joined former England boss Fabio Capello, Chelsea and Holland legend Ruud Gullit, ex-France star Louis Saha and retired Chinese women's team icon Sun Wen in a football workshop for 60 kids at Datong Middle School for Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. They also shared their experience with the players in Shanghai School Football Union.

After a day of spreading the value of sport to the community, it was time for Puyol to let his considerable hair down at the welcome party at the Pearl Tower, before which he posted an image of himself with Capello, Saha and Gullit on Instagram.

'Preparing the Laureus party in Shanghai with some of the greats of football,' he wrote with the snap. Earlier,

Puyol spoke of how he wants to give back to sport, which has given so much to him over a career that has seen him pick up 21 major trophies.

'I am very happy to join the Laureus Family. Sport has given me so much over the years and I want to do all I can to give back to society. I know Laureus has many projects and I think sport is a fantastic tool to inspire youth,' he said.

On Wednesday night, Puyol attended the crowning of the 2015 Laureus Award winners which include representatives across a broad range of sports.

As the presenting sponsor, HengYuanXiang organized the compaign in order to attract more people to support and enjoy football. The general manager of corporation, Chen Zhongwei said, HengYuanXiang just brings up a thought to the Laureus, we hope the activities in school would be permanent, helpful and productive for China football.