New Delhi: The Chairman of the German champions Bayern Munich Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was in Kolkata on Wednesday and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the West Bengal government to come up with an academy which would help nurture talent in India.
This would be the first Bayern Academy outside Germany and would be spread out across 25 acres of land in Burdwan, India.
“India is among the biggest countries in the world and I believe it is a good time now that such a country is ready to participate in a World Cup,” said the German legend.
A number of European clubs have been showing their interest in India with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Olmpique Lyon, Everton, Arsenal, Tottenham and many more. Rummenigge is of the opinion that the German giants are not in India in order to squeeze monetary benefits as their other European counterparts.
“Many clubs from Europe are investing a lot in Asia in a bid to make quick money. But our club has a different philosophy — we believe in creating deep and long-term championships.”
The minister of sports for West Bengal Subhash Chakraborty promised full fledged support to the academy.
“There will be full assistance from the government. We know to prepare an ideal turf will cost three and half crores. We hope to make it soon."
Newly appointed Argentina coach Diego Maradona is to arrive in Kolkata next month and when asked as to who was a better layer according to him, Rummenigge said,”Maradona is better than Pele.”
The 53-year-old later met the Chief Minister of West Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharya at Writers’ Building. Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia also greeted the former German striker.
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