Andrea Bocelli to perform before final

If Real Madrid against Atlético Madrid in a UEFA Champions League final were not enough, the pre-match entertainment at the Stadio San Siro on Saturday promises to be an equally spectacular affair.

It can now be revealed that world-famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform the UEFA Champions League anthem as the two teams line up before kick-off. As he does so, final ambassadors Javier Zanetti and Franco Baresi – icons of Internazionale Milano and AC Milan respectively – will present the trophy to the crowd. A spine-tingling prospect.

Andrea Bocelli said: "I feel very honoured to have the opportunity to actively participate in this great evening, the UEFA Champions League final. I've been a huge football fan ever since I was a child. I will try to sing the UEFA Champions League anthem as well as I can and I thank everyone who wanted me to do it. A big hug to all of you and see you in the stadium."

Prior to Bocelli's performance, singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, who has sold over 50 million albums, will headline the first-ever live music performance for the UEFA Champions League final opening ceremony. "I'm extremely excited to share my new music at the UEFA Champions League final, an event that is celebrated in every corner of the world," said Keys. "This is going to be a powerful moment in history and one that represents the spirit of all the similarities we share, no matter where we live and who we are. I'm honoured to be a special part of such a beloved experience."

The match will be broadcast in more than 220 countries and reach an estimated global live audience of 180 million viewers, making it the most-watched annual sporting event in the world.

"This year, the opening ceremony at the UEFA Champions League final will treat spectators in the stadium, as well as the millions of television viewers, to an unprecedented show," said Pedro Pinto, chief of communications and media for UEFA. "Fans can expect an incredible performance, which will be a tribute to the excellence of European football as well as the vibrant spirit of the host city, Milan."