City CEO Ferran Soriano calls India a ‘land of opportunity’

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I think this is a land of opportunity. There is enough evidence that India has talent and they can be coached to get to the top FERRAN SORIANO, Man City CEO

NEWDELHI: Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano called India a ‘land of opportunity’ and said that the Premier League giants are keen to tap into the growing football market in India. Soriano, who is currently in India as part of a business tour with three other officials, was present at Jamshedpur home game against Mumbai City in the Indian Super League (ISL). Sounding optimistic about the rapid development of Indian football and growth of India as a football market, Soriano said he is “very positive on Indian football.”

“We think India is a major opportunity for football because there is talent and passion and we are very positive about the development of football in the country. That’s why we are here. We want to watch some ISL games, meet people and want to see players,” said Soriano whose company owns clubs like MLS’ New York City and A League club Melbourne City. Soriano was invited by Tata Steel, owners of Jamshedpur, and reports suggest that Manchester City may tie up with the ISL side before the season ends. When asked about the atmosphere at the JRD Tata Stadium, Soriano was quick to express his excitement. “This is spectacular. Atmosphere is great and we saw some very good football. I am very impressed.

“I think this is a land of opportunity. There is enough evidence that India has talent and they can be coached to get to the top. For Indian talent to grow, coaching is very important. You need good coaches to come here who can also coach other coaches,” he said.