ISL 2015 auction: ‘India will see the best of Roberto Carlos’

Mumbai: Global superstars of football aren’t easy to catch hold of, but Indian Super League (ISL) bridged the gap. The league escalated its standard this year by roping in Brazil legend Roberto Carlos. The 42-year-old – who is the marquee manager and player for Delhi Dynamos – praised the standard of football in India.

“The quality of Indian players is high. Now, this is the time the Indian players need to show their quality to the world,” said Carlos, after the completion of the ISL auction at a city hotel here on Friday.

The Brazilian was initially named manager but after flying to India, he also became a player for the Delhi outfit. Talking on the sudden change of plans, he revealed: “I am always ready to play. Nothing has changed in two days. I have always worked as a serious trainer but what I like from my heart is to play football. I don’t want to play at a low level. Indian people now need the best from Carlos.”

The Delhi franchise bought Robin Singh (Rs 51 lakh) and Anas Edathodika (Rs 41 lakh) and did not advance for Sunil Chhetri or Jackichand Singh.

Talking on the selection process, Carlos said: “Everything was pre planned. You will see the result in the future and also, the best of Carlos in the coming days. I want to learn from new players as well.”

Carlos, known for his free kicks, is a valuable addition to the growth of Indian footballers but the veteran says that age has caught up with him.

“But I am mentally still strong and I train everyday,” he asserted.

Keeping aside the problem of language, since the local footballers do not understand Spanish, Carlos added: “All these footballers are super intelligent. But football language is just one. To win, to win, to win.”