Ex-Chelsea star praises Mumbai football leagues

Football enthusiasts from the city got a glimpse of the English Premier League trophy on Monday that was lifted by London club Chelsea FC earlier this year. Along with the unveiling of the trophy, former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo was present. The striker is impressed by the football leagues taking place in Mumbai as he praised the youngsters for their “passion” for the sport.

Tore, now retired, joined Chelsea in 1997 scoring 50 first team goals in over 163 appearances. The 44-year-old scored on his debut against Coventry City and his major achievement which is still recalled by fans was his hat-trick against crosstown rivals Spurs in a 6-1 win.

The lanky striker also helped the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 1999, and scored eight times in that campaign, including three against Barcelona as Chelsea bowed out in the quarter-finals.

Tore  arrived in Mumbai on a sunny Monday morning to meet fans and unveil the 2016-17 Premier League trophy. He said, “The passion here is incredible and the talent is great too. Mumbai has so many leagues, which has a lot of skilful players. In my country (Norway), we have a small population, Mumbai can produce great football over the years. India is similar to Norway, both nations have a long way to go but the youngsters in Mumbai have shown immense interest from what I have seen here. So many small leagues will definitely help the nation grow.”

Big names of international football from Chelsea, such as Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda, have been a part of the Indian Super League (ISL). Anelka and Malouda were marquee players for their respective ISL teams.

On being asked if he could have a short stint as a coach, Tore replied, “You never know. Right now I am coaching Chelsea Youth and I am enjoying my job.”

“They (Anelka and Malouda), have praised Indian football a lot and even I am aware of the national team doing really well with their rank rising,” he added.

The event, which was organised by Chelsea Official India Supporters Club, saw many fans cheering for their club legend.

Tore applauds the ISL for allowing footballers to make more money playing the sport.

“My country has many footballers but they have not been fortunate enough to have such leagues that have short formats and a good pay,” said Tore.

The Norwegian is enjoying his stay in the city, which he will be leaving in two days. He will be visiting the famous tourist spots including Gateway of India and the seaside spots. Spending his time in Bangalore before coming here, Tore is impressed by the culture and the cuisine.

“I am enjoying my time here. The people are welcoming and I am really liking the spicy food over here,” he says, signing off with a smile.