London, Oct 2 : The world's greatest footballers have joined forces to launch a culinary book containing their favourite recipes to encourage fat footie fans to ditch their lardy diets.

Soccer aces like Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy have contributed to the book 'Eat For Goals' with their own healthy recipes aimed at inspiring obese kids to avoid burgers and concentrate on healthy fish and vegetable dishes.

Liverpool and England midfielder Gerrard, 28, has contributed with his delicious Aromatic Sea Bream recipe he cooks for wife Alex Curran.

"It shows young players and lovers of football how to cook and eat like champions," The Daily Star quoted Steven, as saying.

Arsenal forward Henry, 31, offer up simmering Rice Cubana, soft Sicilian pasta and grilled salmon as alternatives to fast food.

"It's vital children have a healthy lifestyle based on healthy food and exercise," Real Madrid's van Nistelrooy said.

The book, created by European football authority UEFA and the European Commission, is aimed at kids aged five to 11, it features bright pictures of the footballers.

They hope their football heroes will encourage young fans to fight the flab.

ANI