His playing career took him to top clubs in Italy, Spain and the United Arab Emirates but Fabio Cannavaro believes that Germany currently boasts the best football league in the world.

"They've created a very nice footballing atmosphere with some beautiful stadiums that are at 90 per cent capacity at every game," said Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning captain.

Cannavaro, 40, was speaking on Thursday morning, at the launch of this year's Tiger Street Football - a competition for which he is an ambassador. The third edition of the event will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Event Plaza@Marina Bay Sands, with 32 teams battling it out to reach next month's Grand Finals in Ho Chi Minh City.

"When you play on the streets, you have to think a lot and anticipate where the ball is going," said Cannavaro, who grew up playing on the streets of Naples. "It's a great opportunity for the players to learn a lot."