‘Fifa U17 World Cup will have a huge impact on Indian football’

MUMBAI: “I remember the first time I saw him. He was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver.” That was Sir Alex Ferguson on Ryan Giggs, the Manchester United great who went on to make an impact until his retirement at 40. The Welshman spoke to select journalists here on Friday. Excerpts

Did you ever think you would be associated with Futsal?

When I finished at Manchester United, it was quite early on in my retirement and Futsal was a big thing. I’ve never been to India before, never played Futsal, and like I’ve my entire life, it was a new challenge, different and interesting.

Will Futsal help Indian football?

It’s important because in India, from what I understood in my last visit, it’s hard to get a lot of full-size pitches. With Futsal, you neither need too much space nor a lot of players. I have made this reference to the effect T20 had on cricket, and I think Futsal can do it.

How do you see hosting the u17 World Cup impacting the game in India?

It has to capture the imagination. If people sit down with their families and watch it, it can have a massive effect. Wales had never been to a major championship for nearly 60 years and then they went on to reach the semifinal (in Euro 2016). The impact that had on Wales as a country was huge. If India gets it right, it can only be good in the long run.

Do you agree with Rooney’s international retirement?

It’s always difficult... He wasn’t an automatic choice for England. When you play for 15-20 years at a big club, then in the Champions League and the internationals, you don’t get any rest. I’m glad he stayed in the Premier League. Him going back to his previous club I feel was the right decision.

How do you rate Manchester United’s title chances?

Before the season I thought it was between United and Manchester City because of the recruitments. I think they have the best squad. City probably have the best attacking line-up in the league, but I feel United’s squad is the best, which will help them handle the league, Euros, injuries and suspensions.

Mourinho just claimed his side is ‘second level’…

What he meant is, Real Madrid and Barcelona, the Messis, Suarez’, Iniestas, and then you have Ronaldo and Bale, they’re world class players and in a setup. What world class players do United have? David de Gea definitely, but who else? Potentially Pogba, Lukaku.

How did you react when Mourinho joined United?

It was a difficult decision when they decided to let Louis van Gaal go. Do they get a young coach in who could give the club three, four years to build something or someone who over the years has guaranteed success ? But yeah, it comes with a bit of baggage also because he doesn’t last long, but gets the job done more often than not.

After Sir Alex, some thought you might take over?

I felt I was ready. I know the club, its traditions, so there were pluses but I did not have the experience in coaching before. I wanted to do the job, I was ready but I also understand why it went down the Mourinho way.

Would you want to join them in the future?

Don’t think so, but who knows? After Mourinho, depending on how long he lasts, does he stay 3,4, 5, 6 years which he hasn’t done before, is he successful, what’s the state of the club when he leaves; I mean there are several things that will depend on who the next appointment is.

It (U17 World Cup) has to capture the imagination. If people sit down with their families and watch it, it can have a massive effect. RYAN GIGGS, on U-17 World Cup