Bundesliga stars say good luck to India

The Indian football team received good wishes from German Bundesliga stars, including FIFA World Cup final match-winner Mario Goetze and the legendary Lothar Matthaus, ahead of Sunday's AFC Asian Cup campaign-opener.

India kick off with a Group 'A' game against Thailand.

Borussia Dortmund forward Mario Goetze, S V Werder Bremen great and one of Bundesliga's all-time leading foreign goal scorers Claudio Pizarro, Borussia Monchengladbach keeper Yann Sommer, R B Leipzig's Yimo Werner and Matthaus came together to wish the Indian team in a video shared by Bundesliga on their facebook page.

Recognising striker Sunil Chhetri's star status in India, Pizarro urged the leading goal scorer to keep firing and inspiring the nation.

"Sunil, there is no one in India quite like you. Keep firing and inspiring the nation," said Pizarro.

Dortmund attacker Goetze, famous for his World Cup winning goal for Germany in 2010, urged India midfielder Anirudh Thapa to make a mark of his own in Asian football's premier competition.

Said Mario, "Anirudh you have got everything it takes to become the country's next big superstar. Go on then, make your mark."

Switzerland and Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer had advice for his India counterpart – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

"Gurpreet, you are the guardian of the posts. Remember, block everything in sight," said Sommer.

"Jeje, the Mizo snipper, take aim and shoot!" R B Leipzig's German International striker Timo Werner had a short and simple message for Indian forward Jeje Lalpekhlua.

Rounding it off was Matthaus. The former World Cup winner, who was in India recently, sent his wishes on behalf of the entire Bundesliga.

"From everyone here at the Bundesliga, we wish the Indian team the best of luck. Back the Blue!’" Matthaus concluded.

India are placed in Group 'A' along with Thailand, Bahrain and host UAE.