We have a lot of interest in the development of Indian football- Ferran Soriano
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
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.”
Also Read
Mawihmingthanga and Ruidas shine as Jamshedpur and Mumbai split the points
Thiago Santos rescues point for Mumbai in entertaining draw with Jamshedpur
Coppell disappointed after throwing away two points, Guimaraes happy with result
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.”
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]“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.”
- Preston North End vs Sunderland Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Barcelona & Inter Milan monitoring Enzo Fernandez situation at Chelsea: Report
- Erik ten Hag was unhappy with Manchester United's signing of Joshua Zirkzee: Report
- Every EA FC 25 Title Update 4 & patch notes you need to know
- Which players were dropped from India’s probable squad for Malaysia international friendly?
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- Ballon d'Or 2024: List of all award winners
- Which players were dropped from India’s probable squad for Malaysia international friendly?
- Owen Coyle praises this player after big win against Jamshedpur FC in ISL
- Sandesh Jhingan returns to Indian squad after lengthy recovery from ACL injury
- New faces called up in India's probable squad for Malaysia International friendly
- Is Al-Hilal star Neymar injured again after second match back from ACL injury?