As India Football Team prepares to take the field in their AFC Asian Cup opener against Australia in Doha, some of the legends of the game came forward to wish Sunil Chhetri and co. for the tournament. In video by released by the Indian Football Team’s X (previously Twitter) handle, Uruguay legend Diego Forlan, former French footballer Nicolas Anelka and ex-English midfielder Peter Reid wished the Indian team for their AFC Asian Cup campaign.
After playing for top European clubs such as Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, Forlan spent the final years of his playing career in India. In 2016, he joined Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League and was appointed captain of the club. After three years, Forlan announced his retirement from professional football.
“I just want to wish the Indian national team as they are playing the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. To the coach Igor (Stimac) and the players Apuia, Akash (Mishra), Nikhil (Poojary), Rahul (Bheke) and my friend and captain Sunil Chhetri, all the best and take care,” Forlan said in a recorded video.
Anelka, who played in the inaugural edition of the tournament with Mumbai City in 2014, said that he will be keeping an eye on the match. “Wishing all the very best to the Indian men’s senior football team for this AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. All the best to coach Igor, Nunga, Liston and others. Do the job guys, I will be watching you. See you soon and be strong,” said Anelka.
Reid, who was a player-manager at Manchester City in 1993, also wished the Indian contingent.
“Best wishes to the Indian men’s senior football team who are competing in the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Good luck to you. (Naoren) Mahesh, Amrinder (Singh). I know all the lads. Go and enjoy, all the very best and lots of love,” Reid said.
