Premier League stars support Kanu

Kanu scored the winning goal in Pompey's FA Cup final win in 2008

Premier League stars will turn out to support Portsmouth striker Kanu by playing in a special charity match in aid of the Kanu Heart Foundation.

Arsenal duo Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, Chelsea's Michael Essien, and former Pompey star Lomano Lua Lua are among those to appear at Fratton Park.

"A lot of them have said they're coming, but I'll have to keep chasing them," Kanu told BBC Radio Solent.

"They know it's a good cause and they are a good help."

In 1996, shortly after his transfer from Ajax to Inter Milan, Kanu was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition and underwent surgery.

Football is my work and the foundation is my baby, and saving lives means a lot

Kanu

It inspired him to set up the Kanu Heart Foundation, which has so far raised enough money to get heart surgery for over 220 children in Africa.

Kanu went on to perform at the highest level and the two-time African Footballer of the year's medal collection includes the Champions League, UEFA Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and Olympic Gold medal.

"It's so difficult to get help in Africa where the poor are so poor and the rich are so rich, and I try to do what I can to use my fame as a footballer to help others," said Kanu.

"Football is my work and the foundation is my baby, and saving lives means a lot. The fans at Portsmouth are the best in the world, and they've given me great support over the years," Kanu added.

Portsmouth versus the Friends of Kanu takes place on Monday 25 May with kick-off at 1400 BST at Fratton Park. There is also an open day at Portsmouth FC the same day.