John indulges his passion for balls

Mumbai: Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham gets to indulge his passion for soccer in his next film role.

Abraham, considered one of Bollywood's sexiest stars, told a website that he was thrilled to play the lead in Goal an upcoming film about soccer.

"I've always been a huge (soccer) freak and this passion for the game took me all the way to Germany this year to see the World Cup finals," Abraham said.

He's also got a soft spot for motorcycles, and shot to fame two years ago in Dhoom, for his role as the leader of a gang of bikers who rob rich Mumbai businessmen.

The Goal production team has begun scouting stadiums in Britain and Spain and hopes to begin shooting later this year.

It had earlier been indicated that actor Saif Ali Khan was likely to star in Goal. But the film's director, Vivek Agnihotri, said that he had selected Abraham for the role.

"It is great to have John on board," Agnihotri was quoted as saying, noting that Abraham was "an avid football fan and a serious player."