‘Kerala Blasters is Sachin’s team and will get more support in Mumbai’
Mumbai: Former India footballer IM Vijayan – commonly known as ‘black buck’ (an epithet he earned during his playing days in Kolkata) – believes Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) will have more support in the Indian Super League (ISL) final against Atletico De Kolkata. Why? “It is Sachin Tendulkar’s team and the final is happening in Mumbai,” he said.
“Sachin is an icon in India and God in Mumbai. Even in Kerala, it is the same,” said the 45-year-old, who formed a deadly partnership with Baichung Bhutia when they donned national colours in the late nineties.
When he played for India, he did not meet many international players, leave alone sharing the dressing room. But ISL opened new horizons for the veteran as he regularly met international stars David James and Michael Chopra.
“David is chilled-out. Though he has played in FIFA World Cup, he has no air at all,” added Vijayan, who is also one of the commentators for the tournament (in Malayalam).
The footballer – who has a rags to riches story – said the local footballers need not worry anymore for ISL has made Indian football global.
“The other day, my friend from US called me up to say that he was watching one of the matches and listening to my commentary. It felt good. It is that popular now. If you have the touch of Ambani along with Star Sports, it had to become popular. They won’t touch something which is not promising enough,” said Vijayan, who once sold soda in the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium.
However, the veteran agreed that Kolkata is the Mecca of Indian football but Kerala is no less. “I’m expecting a good fight. Both the teams are balanced. With Fikru not being there, it might be little easy but of course, Atletico has been consistent. But having Michael Chopra is a strong point. He made a difference in the semifinal,” said Vijayan, adding: “Though I have played in Kolkata most of my life, I am supporting Kerala because I belong there.”
Vijayan feels Sandesh Jhinghan is one of the promising players for Kerala.
When asked which foreign player impressed him the most, he said: “Elano was outstanding. There was Alessandro Del Piero and Nicolas Anelka but they could not do much.”
