<div> Having enjoyed an enviable international career, former France international soccer star Mikael Silvestre is in constant touch with Indian football. <br /><br />After representing the Chennaiyin FC in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL), the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Inter Milan defender feels Indian football is changing for the better. On a friendly visit to Bengaluru, Silvestre spoke to Deccan Herald on his association with the game in India and his experience of playing in the country. <br /><br />Excerpts: <br /><br />On his visit to India: This is my third visit to India. I was here for last year’s FIFA World Cup as a television expert. I was involved in a grassroots programme organised by the Delhi Dynamos. I make sure Ifollow the I League and try to be in constant touch with Indian football. <br /><br />On his experience playing in India: It was a challenging a experience. I played 14 games and it takes a toll on your body. The facilities in the stadium and the overall infrastructure was of high standard. On the other hand, I feel the inaugural season lacked regular training camps for the teams. Barring Delhi, we didn’t undergo training camps for the squad in other cities. I believe the organisers can work on this aspect in the coming editions of the tournament. <br /><br />On the Indian Super League: The ISL has a great future. Apart from the presence of the international stars, it also helps young Indian players to understand the game better. Indian football is undergoing a drastic change. It might take another ten years for it to gain immense recognition at the world stage but the journey has begun. ISL in India, has the potential to match cricket’s popularity.<br /><br />On emerging Indian players: I observed a few young Indian talents during the ISL and I was pleased with their hunger to learn more. In the Chennai franchise, I was impressed with strikers Balwant Singh and Jayesh Rane. <br /><br />Midfielder Harmonjot Khabra also turned out to be a great asset. I loved the way they were receptive to the inputs and guidance given by the senior members of the side. They showed immense interest towards the game. <br /><br />On India hosting the 2017 U-17 World Cup: It is a great opportunity for India to take the game forward. It will help the administrators to provide world class standards to the participating teams which can later be utilised by players from India. <br /><br /></div>
<div> Having enjoyed an enviable international career, former France international soccer star Mikael Silvestre is in constant touch with Indian football. <br /><br />After representing the Chennaiyin FC in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL), the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Inter Milan defender feels Indian football is changing for the better. On a friendly visit to Bengaluru, Silvestre spoke to Deccan Herald on his association with the game in India and his experience of playing in the country. <br /><br />Excerpts: <br /><br />On his visit to India: This is my third visit to India. I was here for last year’s FIFA World Cup as a television expert. I was involved in a grassroots programme organised by the Delhi Dynamos. I make sure Ifollow the I League and try to be in constant touch with Indian football. <br /><br />On his experience playing in India: It was a challenging a experience. I played 14 games and it takes a toll on your body. The facilities in the stadium and the overall infrastructure was of high standard. On the other hand, I feel the inaugural season lacked regular training camps for the teams. Barring Delhi, we didn’t undergo training camps for the squad in other cities. I believe the organisers can work on this aspect in the coming editions of the tournament. <br /><br />On the Indian Super League: The ISL has a great future. Apart from the presence of the international stars, it also helps young Indian players to understand the game better. Indian football is undergoing a drastic change. It might take another ten years for it to gain immense recognition at the world stage but the journey has begun. ISL in India, has the potential to match cricket’s popularity.<br /><br />On emerging Indian players: I observed a few young Indian talents during the ISL and I was pleased with their hunger to learn more. In the Chennai franchise, I was impressed with strikers Balwant Singh and Jayesh Rane. <br /><br />Midfielder Harmonjot Khabra also turned out to be a great asset. I loved the way they were receptive to the inputs and guidance given by the senior members of the side. They showed immense interest towards the game. <br /><br />On India hosting the 2017 U-17 World Cup: It is a great opportunity for India to take the game forward. It will help the administrators to provide world class standards to the participating teams which can later be utilised by players from India. <br /><br /></div>