The footballer who rejected offers from Manchester United, Real Madrid

Mumbai: Former Ivory Coast veteran Didier Zokora, FC Pune City’s new signing for the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL), said he learnt his football in Tottenham Hotspur premises — the English Premier League (EPL) outfit — when lucrative offers from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid kissed his resume.

“Going back to 2006, I was young (25) when I joined Spurs. I was happy with my game there. Yes, I did come across big clubs and I know Madrid is a giant but Spurs was one club that gave me a lot,” said Zokora, who has been the most capped player for his country (15 years).

Zokora wasn’t born with a golden boot. He grew up tackling and dribbling on the streets of Africa. When the future seemed bright, with a contract from ASEC Mimosas (an Ivorian club), he lost his brother Armando. The loss strengthened him and he was the first African to move to Belgium.

“I was 10 years old when I started playing in Africa with Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré, Salomon Kalou and Robinho. I was the first to move from Africa to Belgium (Racing Genk). After that my life changed,” added Zokora, who in memory of Armando has tattooed his name on his right forearm.

With the past behind him, the 34-year-old defensive midfielder is ready pull up a storm on the lush green football turfs of the subcontinent with the Orange and Purple franchise.

Having played for seven different clubs around the globe, with 88 appearances for Spurs followed by Spanish club Sevilla where he played 49 games, why taste Indian football now?

“FC Pune City manager David Platt called me and said: ‘I want you to play in the ISL.’ He is a man with good experience in the EPL too (on July 1, 2010, Platt was hired as first team coach Manchester City along with Roberto Mancini). I came because I have so many friends here such as Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda. I think this was a good move for me as I found this very interesting,” he said, in an exclusive chat with this correspondent.

FC Pune City claimed the sixth spot in the inaugural season of ISL but this time Zokora, who helped Les Éléphants to their first two World Cup finals appearances in 2006 and 2010, believes that he can turn the tide.

“I want to prove to the world what I am with my experience and help the domestic players. We foreign players are blending well with the domestic players and that connection is really important. I don’t care about other teams. I’m sure that this team will play something different, I’m sure,” he asserted.

Speaking about domestic players, Zokora didn’t think twice to express his thoughts on the Indian players in his team. “I’m very impressed with Lenny (Rodrigues), Eugeneson (Lyngdoh), Jaki (Jakichand Singh). All these players have good skill and the ability to pull out something different. They can adapt themselves to different situations,” he further added.

On being quizzed playing alongside former Chelsea superstar Didier Drogba (now plays for Canadian club Montral Impact), Zokora was all praise for his teammate.

“Drogba is a legend and he is a great man. He has done a lot for Ivory Coast, I respect him a lot. He is a big name,” Zokora, who loves Jose Mourinho and calls Andre Iniesta his favourite player, said.

What next after the glamorous ISL, maybe a coaching stint in India? “Of course, why not, if offered, I will coach an Indian team,” he concluded.