Academies, key to Indian football’s growth: Fowler

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 Fowler had earlier been linked to the much-hyped Bengal Premier League Super 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.

“Obviously, the potential for football 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 added.

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 very positive.

“They have been placed in difficult group, but I think England should go to the second round, but beyond that, it will be a struggle,” he opined.