From former EPL winners Chelsea to French League champions Olympique Lyonnais, winger Florent Johan Malouda has been a member of several top clubs during a 20-year career. But for the star midfielder, playing for Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League has a special corner in his heart. “I always wanted to play here… The most fascinating thing about India is its culture and it is something I am very serious to explore — not just like a tourist, but as someone who has connections with this country by virtue of a part of my family that lived here a couple of generations ago,” Malouda told this paper. “I like Indian cuisine very much and my favourite dish is biryani. I have also tried spicy pani puri last ISL season and challenged my team mates to try it for fun,” the 36-year-old said.
Malouda spent most of his career at Lyon and Chelsea, winning four consecutive League 1 titles with the former and the Uefa Champions League in 2012 with the latter, among other honours. The former France international joined Dynamos in 2015 and is an important cog of the team. “My most memorable moments of the ISL were the two games against F.C. Goa, both of which we lost, one at the league stage and one which ousted us from the tournament. Though both matches look negative, they are key for me to remember the importance of winning a match,” said the star midfielder, who joined Egyptian Premier League side Wadi Deglaon in a six-month loan deal in January 2016.
A France international from 2004 to 2012, Malouda represented Les Bleus on 80 occasions, including in two World Cups and two European Championships. He was part of the France team that reached the 2006 Fifa World Cup final. Malouda says that he did not idolise any player and was more focused on performances in his professional journey. “There is no idol as such! I have just loved the game as it is and have kept playing and following it around the world,” says the player. Asked how he coped with the pressure of club and international football, he adds, “I try and explore places in the cities I travel. I love to understand the history and culture of the countries and cities I visit and play in. This really unwinds and rejuvenates me.”
When not playing, Malouda loves to spend time with family and travels to his birth place of Cayenne in French Guiana. “I spend a lot of time with my family… music and culture is a big part of my life. My favourite travel destination is my home in French Guiana. As I travel the world so much playing in different parts of the world, going home is always like a destination and I really look forward to it every time I am there. It is like rejuvenating myself with all the energy and love. “The birth of my first child Genesis in 2001 was a life changing moment for me. This is when I transformed from being just a man to a father. It is a completely different feeling and experience to see the birth of your child in front of you… I can’t explain in words. It was very emotional,” reveals the midfielder, whose hobby and most cherished activity is time spent on philanthropic activities. Asked about his fitness regime, he says, “I have always been conscious of my body. I have been working with my physio since the age of 16/17 and I value the importance of discipline. When people talk about great equipment, shoes, etc… I prefer to look at myself and persevere and work upon it and that is key.”
Quickfire
Favourite film: Usual Suspects
Favourite book: Looking to read all holy books and on that line, just started to read the Bible. I visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib with my team mates, looking forward to read about Sikhism as well.
Favourite colour: Yellow
Favourite outfit: Simple, smart casuals
Philosophy in life: One love. Love for all, and dedication towards everything I do in life.
Something that many people don’t know about you: There are many and I will let them remain a secret.
