Participating at the virtual press conference were for FC Bayern Munich, the coaches Klaus Augenthaler (1990 FIFA World Cup winner), Christopher Loch and Mathias Brosamer, while Sudeva Delhi FC were represented by Anuj Gupta and Vijay Hakari besides the FC Bayern World Squad selected Shubho Paul.
A shy but excited Shubho Paul said, “I am at a loss for words. I had never thought about it. It was my dream to be associated with a team like Bayern Munich. A dream come true for me.”
“I like the Bayern Munich way of playing. I want to learn the aspects of that style of play from the club’s coaches,” Shubho added.
But if Shubho Paul can join the other selected boys of the FC Bayern World Squad will have to be seen. Shubho will surely miss a preparatory camp in Mexico in the coming weeks and if he will be allowed to travel to Munich in late-July depends on the German authorities, but if it doesn’t happen this year, Shubho could be invited in 2022 instead.
Germany and Bayern Munich legend Klaus Augenthaler said, “Like Shubho I come from a small town here in Germany. I wanted to be a pro at 16, but the fun of playing football was always a drive for me besides the aim of becoming a professional footballer.”
“Shubho convinced us with the footage made available to us! But it’s very important that he does not put himself under too much pressure. This is a good age to learn, and he should do so with both his feet on the ground.”
“There has been a massive media coverage on Shubho being named in the FC Bayern World Squad, he needs to remain level headed and focus on his football,” Augenthaler added.
Sudeva Delhi FC co-owners Anuj Gupta and Vijay Hakari were happy and proud of the progress that 17 year old Shubho Paul has made over the last few years since he joined their Academy team and captained their senior in the 2020/21 I-League.
Meanwhile Matthias Brosamer, head of sports in China, Japan and Korea of FC Bayern, said, “Shubho Paul shows that India has football talent and the country is thirsty for football.”
If one has followed the interest and amount of media coverage in recent days, then the future of Shubho Paul and Indian football is bright.