New Delhi: India may not be a strong force at international football, but former England striker Robbie Fowler is keen to associate with the country in the future.
The Liverpool FC legend feels Indian football has the potential to make big strides in the future and it would be exciting to be a part of its growth process.
“Obviously, the potential for football here in India is massive. With such a big population, there is bound to be some excellent players.
It is an exciting country as far football is concerned and it would be interesting to get involved,” he told this newspaper on the sidelines of a promotional event on Monday.
Talking about the best way to increase the standards of the game in the country, Fowler stated that setting up academies is the way to go for Indian football. “You need talent to raise profile of the game and that can come from academies. We have plans to set up an academy in Pune.
Hopefully, this is not the only one in India. We will start with that but we may set up many others in future to help Indian football,” he said.
Asked about England’s chances at this year’s World Cup, Fowler did not seem too positive, adding that going beyond the pre-quarterfinal stage will be difficult for the former champions.
“They have been placed in difficult group, but to go beyond the second round will be a struggle,” he opined.
Fowler had earlier been linked to the much-hyped Bengal Premier League Soccer League after being bought for $530,000 by Kolkata Camelians. However, the league was abandoned after the sponsors pulled out.
The 38-year-old has also been linked to the proposed Indian Soccer League, supposed to start in September, but saw his role more as a manager rather than as a player.
“Last year it didn’t work out in India but I’m certainly interested if something comes up again.
My name has been put forward again and I would very much like to get involved.
Probably it won’t be as a player, most likely as a manager. I am more than interested,” he told this newspaper on the sidelines of a promotional event in the capital on Monday.
