VLADIMIR PUTIN welcomed football royalty in Russia today as the World Cup draw took place at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
The Russian leader greeted the likes of Ronaldo, Peter Schmeichel and Samuel Eto’o on the red carpet in Red Square as the greatest tournament in the game was mapped out.
GETTY: World Cup ambassador Victoria Lopyreva arrives in Moscow for World Cup draw
REUTERS: This is a real collector’s item as Putin had his photo taken with Pele and Diego Maradona
GETTY: The two football legends greeted each other, watched over by Russian leader Vladimir Putin
GETTY: Vladimir Putin poses for a selfie with former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o… who seems to enjoy attending these big football events
While Diego Maradona arrived arm-in-arm with girlfriend Rocio Oliva.
It was a star-studded event in the Russian capital, with everyone anxious to ensure their country avoids the most difficult opposition.
England will be hoping to avoid the likes of Argentina and Brazil as they look to reach the knock-out phase for the first time in eight years.
Maradona, Diego Forlan and Gordon Banks will be among big football personalities involved in drawing out the 32 teams.
GETTY: Diego Maradona arrives in Moscow with girlfriend Rocio Oliva
EPA: Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel with girlfriend Laura von Lindholm
GETTY: Victoria Lopyreva in Kremlin Palace for World Cup draw
GETTY: Diego Forlan, who is partaking in World Cup draw, with wife Paz Cardoso
REUTERS: Ronaldinho with Clarence Seedorf and Jay-Jay Okocha
GETTY: Ronalinho, Clarence Seedorf, Jay Jay Okocha, Lothar Matthaus, Nwankwu Kanu, Anastasia Klimko, Celia Sasic all arrive
KKP: Russia president Vladimir Putin is present for the World Cup draw in Moscow
GETTY IMAGES: An anxious Gareth Southgate watches on during the World Cup draw
