Gurgaon, Feb 9: Citing the examples of Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo, former England captain and Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand said here Tuesday that Indian football needs a stand-out player to catch the country’s fancy.
“Like Didier Drogba did for Ivory Coast and yes, Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, you guys need that one big player on whom they can build the team around,” Ferdinand, one of the finest centre-backs, to have come out of England, said during a promotional event here.
As part of their global commitment to support football amongst the youth, British broadcast giant BT Sport organised a football workshop for young footballers here. Two English football legends, Ferdinand and Robbie Savage arrived in the capital Tuesday and began their work immediately.
Addressing the young players, Ferdinand said: “We have had a fantastic time in India, coming out here training with you guys & the coaches – I think they need to be given a lot of credit for giving their time, their energy and for the enthusiasm of the young players.
“Keep playing, keep working hard, keep practicing and hopefully one of you guys will make it to the Indian national team and be the guy that everyone looks up to you, be the inspiration.”
The footballer went on to add: “Enjoy football; play with a smile on your face.”