<p>Football has been a part of Graham Stuart’s life for as long as he can remember. He grew up playing football in school and college and was a professional player for some of London’s leading teams till he retired a few years ago. <br /><br />The Ambassador for Everton Football Club in Liverpool, Graham travels across the world, nurturing young minds and giving them a tip or two about what it takes to be a professional footballer. Graham, who was in the city recently for the Premier League Fanpark event, chats with Nina C George about his love for the sport and his experience in India.<br /><br />How did your love for football begin?<br /><br />I grew up in a small town in London. I remember playing football during break time at school and I would return home only to play football, till my mother called me in for supper. Such was my craze for the game and it lasted till the last day I actively played the sport. My 16-year-old son Joseph has taken after me in this regard.<br /><br />What do you and Joseph bond over?<br /><br />My son and I bond over football. Most of our conversation revolves around sports and of course, food.<br /><br />Do you both experiment with Indian food?<br /><br />Joseph, like me, loves Indian food. He enjoys a plate of ‘Chicken tikka masala’ and ‘Tandoori mixed grill’. I recently tried ‘Lamb biryani’ so I have recommended that to him. I like my curries to be spicy. The spiciest curry that I have eaten so far is ‘Chicken Madras’ which is a dish that we get in one of the Indian restaurants in England.<br /><br />Your advice to young footballers.<br /><br />I always tell the young footballers to work very hard and practise even harder. I also caution them to eat the right kind of food and work on building their strength and stamina.<br /><br />How do you interpret the sport on a personal level?<br /><br />It’s our national game just like cricket is ingrained in mindsets of the people of India. The sport now keeps me occupied on a daily basis and keeps my mind active.<br /><br />Your thoughts on the football scene in India. <br />The football scene here is growing and the players here are quite open to learning.<br /><br />How do you connect with Bengaluru?<br /><br />I was in Mumbai a couple of years ago for the ‘Premiere League Live’ and the culture between the two cities is very similar. I can see a huge passion and appetite for football here.<br /><br />What are your thoughts about Bengaluru?<br /><br />The traffic jams here are quite similar to the ones we have back home in London.<br /><br /> Would you like to come back to India? <br /><br />I wouldn’t miss any chance to come back to India. I am happy to come to India only for the food.</p>
<p>Football has been a part of Graham Stuart’s life for as long as he can remember. He grew up playing football in school and college and was a professional player for some of London’s leading teams till he retired a few years ago. <br /><br />The Ambassador for Everton Football Club in Liverpool, Graham travels across the world, nurturing young minds and giving them a tip or two about what it takes to be a professional footballer. Graham, who was in the city recently for the Premier League Fanpark event, chats with Nina C George about his love for the sport and his experience in India.<br /><br />How did your love for football begin?<br /><br />I grew up in a small town in London. I remember playing football during break time at school and I would return home only to play football, till my mother called me in for supper. Such was my craze for the game and it lasted till the last day I actively played the sport. My 16-year-old son Joseph has taken after me in this regard.<br /><br />What do you and Joseph bond over?<br /><br />My son and I bond over football. Most of our conversation revolves around sports and of course, food.<br /><br />Do you both experiment with Indian food?<br /><br />Joseph, like me, loves Indian food. He enjoys a plate of ‘Chicken tikka masala’ and ‘Tandoori mixed grill’. I recently tried ‘Lamb biryani’ so I have recommended that to him. I like my curries to be spicy. The spiciest curry that I have eaten so far is ‘Chicken Madras’ which is a dish that we get in one of the Indian restaurants in England.<br /><br />Your advice to young footballers.<br /><br />I always tell the young footballers to work very hard and practise even harder. I also caution them to eat the right kind of food and work on building their strength and stamina.<br /><br />How do you interpret the sport on a personal level?<br /><br />It’s our national game just like cricket is ingrained in mindsets of the people of India. The sport now keeps me occupied on a daily basis and keeps my mind active.<br /><br />Your thoughts on the football scene in India. <br />The football scene here is growing and the players here are quite open to learning.<br /><br />How do you connect with Bengaluru?<br /><br />I was in Mumbai a couple of years ago for the ‘Premiere League Live’ and the culture between the two cities is very similar. I can see a huge passion and appetite for football here.<br /><br />What are your thoughts about Bengaluru?<br /><br />The traffic jams here are quite similar to the ones we have back home in London.<br /><br /> Would you like to come back to India? <br /><br />I wouldn’t miss any chance to come back to India. I am happy to come to India only for the food.</p>