Cannavaro favours replays to spot diving.

Fabio Cannavaro, the man who held the world's most coveted sporting trophy when Italy won the World Cup in Germany two months ago, said he was overwhelmed by UAE's hospitality on Monday.

Cannavaro, the 33-year-old skipper of Italy, was on a lightning visit to the capital to grace the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup draw and said it was the first time in his career that he was experiencing such an event.

"I was nicely surprised with what little I have seen of the Arab world and, more importantly, I am pleased with their kind and friendly nature," he said.

Cannavaro, who treated questions from the media here with the same cool and calmness with which he has handled some of the top strikers in the world, said he was in favour of TV replays to decide cases of diving.

Replying to a question from Gulf News, the Italian and Real Madrid central defender said:, "Yes it is a problem as defenders find it difficult with some of the forwards resorting to professional 'diving' inside the box.

"I am for taking help from TV footage, but the only problem is this should be limited to very few selected moments. Otherwise the game will be affected with many appeals. It should be selective or should not be used at all," Cannavaro said.

Recalling those treasured moments when he lifted the World Cup, Cannavaro said: "It was one of our greatest accomplishments. It was a great performance and we did it due the efforts of our entire team," he said.

The short-statured Italian defender picked Brazil's Ronaldo as the most difficult forward to play against.

"That is why I signed for Real Madrid this season," he said in lighter vein.

Cannavaro said he would not mind coming to play in the region. "I would like to play anywhere. All I am interested is to respect my contract and do my best," said Cannavaro, who recently signed for Real Madrid.

Commenting on his experience in the Spanish league, Cannavaro said he did not find much difference between the Italian and Spanish Leagues.

"All leagues are difficult and the level is more or less the same," he said.

On the status of football in the region, Cannavaro said he has seen the Arab teams play in the World Cup and felt they were improving.

"It is possible for an African or Arab team to win the World Cup. With players from the regions playing in many other parts of the world, it is not difficult," he said.