England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup has recruited a new ambassador in the figure of former Newcastle, Spurs and France midfielder David Ginola.

The player joins various other overseas personality including John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, Ossie Ardiles and many more.

Ginola’s role as an ambassador will be to support the bid team at home and abroad at meetings which may prove crucial to England being confirmed as the successful bidders by FIFA in early December.

Andy Anson, England 2018 bid chief executive, said: “It is a glowing endorsement of English football that so many foreign players have stepped forward to support us. David Ginola was an exceptionally talented footballer and is a charismatic international figure. He will be an excellent ambassador for the bid and we look forward to working with him over the course of the campaign.”

Ginola said: “I had a tremendous time playing in front of passionate English crowds. They always brought the best out of me and I feel they would spur the world’s greatest players into producing a truly memorable tournament if the World Cup was staged in England. People all over the world love watching English football and every visiting team, player and supporter would find a home-from-home welcome at a World Cup in England. It would inspire fans everywhere and I am proud to be backing England 2018.”