Brian Lara Advised Me To Come To India - Dempo SC's New Recruit Densill Theobald

Speaking to the media shortly after the match, Theobald praised Air India’s effort in the game.

“They played well, especially in the first half, when they gave us a run for their money. Their goalkeeper was brilliant and he really stood tall in-between us and the goal."

The former World Cupper felt that India had proven to be a great experience for him and mentioned, “I feel it is a great opportunity and experience for me. I have loved the culture of the country and I am glad to have such co-operative team-mates.”

The chat gradually drifted towards his 2006 World Cup experience. The midfielder revealed, “A World Cup is beautiful. It was great to be a part of it. The game against Sweden was full of memories for me which ended in a 0-0 draw. It was the time when we all realised that we realised that we had made the World Cup.”

“The biggest game though was definitely against England. I had always wanted to play against Steven Gerrard. I remember he was too quick for me and I got booked for pulling him back. Unfortunately I couldn’t get his jersey as I was taken away for a blood test,” the Dempo player added.

The former Trinidad & Tobago captain also revealed how Brian Lara and Dwayne Bravo convinced him to move to India.

“Brian Lara and Dwayne Bravo are my very good friends. They have obviously come to India quite a few times and they advised me to come to India and give it a try. I thought that I should explore it.”

“They however did warn me to stay off spicy food and too much curry!” he jokingly added.

About his idol while growing up, Theobald confessed, “My favourite player as a youngster was Dwight Yorke. He came from the Caribbean and set a precedent for us in the future. People say that I am like him. I love to work hard  and achieve things like him. I really look up to him.”

Being from the Caribbean, he is very far away from his family. The midfielder conceded, “Yes, I miss being back home with my family. But now Dempo are my team. They are very co-operative and are like my family.  I want to re-pay them by winning the I-League.”

He concluded by expressing his desire to continue playing for as long as possible. He signed off by saying, “I have the passion to continue playing. I love to train and as long as I have that passion, I shall continue to play.”