Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar is backing India to emerge as a hotbed for football in years to come. Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket and co-owner of Indian Super League (ISL) franchisee Kerala Blasters FC, spoke to FIFA.com praising India's attempt to become a prominent international football destination.
India is a cricket-first nation when it comes to sports but the bating icon does not want football to be compared to cricket's popularity.
"Football is getting popular – it's nowhere near cricket, but I don't like comparisons. It's about appreciating each and every sport – the skills, the hard work and the sacrifices the players make.
"Each individual should be respected for that and Indian people are appreciating ISL in a big way. I'm thrilled that their response has been special and people are following not only the foreign players but the domestic players too," Tendulkar said.
In two years' time India will host their biggest football tournament - the FIFA under-17 World Cup. When asked how exciting is it to have such a prestigious competition coming to the country, Sachin said it is a massive opportunity for the nation and it should make the most of it.
"Everyone is looking forward to it, everyone is excited and the guys are waiting to welcome the World Cup to India. It's going to be massive. It's good for India because people are appreciating ISL; and FIFA coming to India is a big, big thing."
On the question of whether passion for cricket in India matches the craze for football in England, the little master said both the countries are passionate about their favorite sports.
"[The passion for football in England] very much reminds me of the people back home - extremely passionate and every little thing that we do matters; every little thing is monitored; every little thing has hundreds of people passing judgement. Everything is under a microscope."
Sachin is also a big fan of Premier League giants Manchester United as on one of his visits to England he was the special guest of Red Devils for a home game at Old Trafford. The master blaster also savored the moment he met legendary footballer Sir Bobby Charlton.
"I attended a Manchester United match and obviously Sir Bobby Charlton was there, so we watched the game together. It was a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed the atmosphere there. The fan engagement and how they respond to every little thing that they do is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and it was a memorable one. Just to be Manchester United's guest was special," he added.
Comments
0 comment