Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
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Jamshedpur FC recently announced the arrival of Tim Cahill for the 2018/19 season. The Australian legend will now be seen in the Indian Super League after his goalscoring antics in the Premier League, MLS, Chinese Super League and A-League. Here is Cahill’s first words on a number of aspects after donning the Jamshedpur FC colours!
On his perception about Indian football…
My perception about Indian football is really positive. When you look at some of the international footballers that have been here and graced the football pitches in India, I feel that has made a positive influence because it made the right kind of noises everywhere.
When I was in England just not long ago, players like Robbie Keane and Wes Brown, who have played in World Cups, came and played in the league. Hardworking players such as Erik Paartalu and Iain Hume did really well in the league. The Brazilian and Spanish imports are also growing.
The biggest thing about Indian football is the coverage and it’s following so with that India has a strong foundation and the fans are fanatic that will help grow the game. For me, I want to be a big ambassador and fly the flag internationally for the Indian people.
On the things that he has heard about India…
The things that I have heard are all positive! I have got a lot of very close cricketer friends, Australian professionals, that have played at the highest level, in India. When I sit and speak with Bree Lee, he speaks about the similarities between Indians and the type of people that we are as Australians as we have travelled a lot.
I have travelled to loads of countries around the world – England, China, Australia, America. I’m the type of person that embraces everything; be it the food, culture and that’s why I was attracted here. Brett’s done Bollywood and a bit of everything and I too want to be involved in everything.
I want to travel, I want to see the temples and I’m very close friends with Sadhguru. He’s a mentor of mine from years during my time with Everton. We’ve been talking about how to meditate. I want to travel and focus on all the positive things that are happening in India. I really want to make an effort and see the country as much as I can.
On his aim this season playing for Jamshedpur FC…
My aim is to be a professional and to make this club better. My aim is to bring a lot of attention to the ISL and fly the flag for the Indian people and be a good example for this league. I’m fortunate enough to have spoken with the right people who have taken me to where I’m sitting now.
I’m also excited because it’s such a short season. It’s only 18 games, it will be over as soon as it starts. I want to have a good pre-season. It always takes time to fuse into a new team, it takes time to get fit but at the same time I’m someone that prides myself on professionalism and being in tip-top shape. I want to be able to do that when I get back to India and here as well.
We’ll be living in a complex together back in Jamshedpur with all the Indian players and not in hotels. So we’ll be making an effort as a team to contribute something special this season.
On his process of signing for Jamshedpur FC…
It was pretty much me asking the authorities questions about their goals, how they see me as a player, what they expected of me. I wanted to know about the training pitches, I wanted to know about the league schedule because I didn’t get the schedule until a couple of weeks ago which is why I didn’t join sooner as I wanted to know the dates.
As a footballer, you want to know these things when you’re playing and I also wanted to know about the stadium, I wanted to know exactly where in India I’ll be living. I’ve also got many friends here who play in the league. There are lots of factors that goes into decision making. I’ve got my four kids, my wife but I’m excited for India. It’s something where I can’t wait to be.
Jerry is already telling me about all the spicy Indian food and how he’s missing it here. They asked me how do I like my curry, I said I don’t like much spicy food. They then suggested me to use yogurt instead; the boys are already having a laugh at me. I’m lucky because I feel relaxed. It’s my first few days here and I already feel like I’m meant to be here.
On the steps India need to make to become a footballing superpower…
I think firstly, India need to focus on getting their beliefs right in every single way. The players here are professional and talented. They shouldn’t compete with anyone. They have one of the most fanatic supporters in the world, massive following and they’ve got a good financial backing. They just need good structure that will help in creating a good footprint for the future of Indian football.
India has got enough numbers to make 10 teams for each city let alone 10 teams for a league with the number of people that live here. I think it’s important to have a good structure and focus on developing the ISL teams and the coverage to the best it can be and continue taking little steps to improve the quality of football and also improve the quality of experience for the supporters.
On his excitement to play in India and exploring the country…
I’m very excited to play in India. I know in Jamshedpur, we are going to have 20,000+ people week in week out at the stadium. Last year, we had 90-95% attendance. This year, I’ll be challenging the fans to have the place rocking every game so that we can make the Furnace a fortress.
Home games are so important to win. When you travel to our stadium, you know you are in for a hostile environment with passionate Jamshedpur FC supporters looking after the city and the players.
Even before I signed here, the fans showed love to me on social media and they’ve been amazing to me. I’m going to have a good interaction with them, the local schools and will also help out in any way possible as a football club with local talents. As for India, I’m going to travel to many cities and I’m ready to embrace the culture and the people.
On his footballing future…
I think for me, so long as I’m physically able to participate and run around with these young players, I’ll play. I feel great; feel mentally and physically good. It’s always a process in preparing your body and making sure that you’re doing all the right things and that’s the reason why the club and myself have made this executive decision of living in the complex with the players.
24×7 we are going to be looking at each other. When you look at each other for that long, I’m going to make sure that everything is around football. That breathes professionalism and the thing that it comes down to is the team that puts in the most work and the players that stick together the longest.
That’s why the foundation will last for many years with that sort of mentality. It is going to take time but I know it’s going to be great. I’m looking forward to travelling and meeting the fans of other teams as well. For 90 minutes they won’t like me but before and after, I’m pretty sure I’ll give some of the fans a high-five. I want to enjoy this experience in India.
