Tuesday 21 October 2014 11:34, UK
Former Arsenal attacker Robert Pires sees no reason why the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie would not play in the Indian Super League in the future.
Ex-Juventus pair Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet, and former Premier League duo Nicolas Anelka and Luis Garcia are among those playing in the inaugural league that runs until December 20.
Pires is captain of the Goa franchise and the Frenchman explained the chance to be part of India’s attempt to bring football to the mainstream was too good an offer to resist.
“Imagine today you have Del Piero, Trezeguet and Robert Pires – who knows, in five or six seasons maybe you can have Rooney or van Persie playing in India,” Pires told Sky Sports.
“When I retired and finished up two years ago - after eight months with Aston Villa - the Indian Super League organisers called me saying they had a big project.
A lot of people think I’ve come to play here for the money but it’s not only for the money, I have a very good role within this country and with these players.
“They asked if I was interested and I thought why not. This is the first season for this league so why not try and help India to try and build this Indian Super League together.
“A lot of people think I’ve come to play here for the money but it’s not only for the money, I have a very good role within this country and with these players.
“I’ve missed playing football over the last couple of years and playing in India is a great opportunity for me which has also allowed me to discover a new country with new people.
“I know I need to give everything for the team – my football, my experience and my passion. That’s what makes it special for me as well as the players, because I am here mainly to help the development of the football here in India which is very important.”
Pires insists he retains a special type of passion and spirit for the game which allows him to continue to play competitive football despite being 40 years old.
“My passion for the game is still there which is perfectly normal. It’s there every morning of every day,” he said.
“To keep playing football you need to have a certain kind of spirit. You need to have heart. If you have heart you can play until you are 40 or 41 years old. It’s not a problem.”
