We have a lot of interest in the development of Indian football- Ferran Soriano

The Citizens chief saw Jamshedpur and Mumbai City play out a 2-2 draw in an Indian Super League match at the JRD Tata Sports Cimplex.

Jamshedpur FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. Among the spectators watching the game was CEO of current Premier League leaders Manchester City FC’s Ferran Soriano, who envisions a bright future for football in India after witnessing India’s unrivalled football championship from close quarters.

“I’m very optimistic (regarding Indian football),” he stated. “I think it will require some effort and time and patience, but there is talent in India and there is passion for football. The atmosphere that I have seen today in the stadium is fantastic. I think the league is growing and the clubs are getting more and more professional. So, I think we will see very good football in India soon,” he told indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview after the match. The 50-year-old explained the reason behind his visit to the country and the City Football Group’s interest in harnessing talent from India. “We’re here (in India) to watch some games, to meet some people, to see Indian players. We have a lot of interest in the development of Indian football and we’re going to be here for a few days.”

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When asked if India was the next destination in their global expansion plans, Soriano left the door open. “Well, not immediately, we have six teams playing in top leagues in six countries and five continents. We don’t have any immediate plans but we’re always looking at other interesting places to develop our football.”

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“I’m very surprised, I think the experience of the game today was extraordinary and it means that there is real interest in football and this makes me feel that football in India will develop soon and fast,” he added. As far as Jamshedpur and Mumbai’s see-saw 2-2 draw itself was concerned, Soriano added: “It was a very exciting game!” he exclaimed. “We saw some good football, some pace, some attacking players with a lot of pace, some quality. It was a very good game.”