Robbie Williams to perform at World Cup opening ceremony despite offending Russia in 2016
The singer's controversial single about the hosts caused a stir two years ago
Robbie Williams will open the 2018 World Cup in Moscow on Thursday, just two years after Russian newspapers called for him to be banned from performing there.
The British pop star will perform alongside Russian soprano Aida Garifullina at the Luzhniki Stadium before the hosts take on Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener.
His set list will likely include popular hits such as Angels and Let Me Entertain You, but one song which probably won't be sung in front of Vladimir Putin is the 2016 single 'Party Like a Russian'.
The track's lyrics are full of stereotypes about violent Russian aristocrats and it caused a great deal of upset in Russia upon its release.
Many publications described the song as offensive and said he should never play in the country again.
Williams said: "I’m so happy and excited to be going back to Russia for such a unique performance. I’ve done a lot in my career, and opening the FIFA World Cup to 80,000 football fans in the stadium and many millions all over the world is a boyhood dream.
"We’d like to invite football and music fans to party with us in Russia, in the stadium, or to tune in their TVs a little earlier for an unforgettable show.”
The 44-year-old, whose England team were victorious in Soccer Aid on Sunday night, will be joined by two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo.
The legendary Brazil striker will present the famous trophy to the 81,000 people inside the stadium.