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Former Arsenal and France star Robert Pires excited about 'new Indian adventure'
The 38-year-old will be one of many big-name players heading to play in the new Indian league and says he's looking forward to trying something different
Jan 17, 2012 1:42:00 AM
By Kosuke Kato
Getty Images
Former France international midfielder Robert Pires has revealed his excitement ahead of next month’s launch of the historic new Indian premiership league.
Based on the country’s successful and innovative cricket competition, the Indian Premier League, Pires and a host of international-renowned footballers will take part in an auction in Kolkata as six clubs bid to land their respective superstars.
Pires, who is currently out of contract after one season at Aston Villa, told L’Equipe that he was ready for the challenge of playing in the sub-continent.
“Since I had nothing in Europe, why not try something completely unknown? I’ve never been over there,” he said.
He continued: “I am proud to be the first Frenchman to go and play there. And eight weeks is nothing."
It has been announced each team will be allocated a budget of two million euros in the inaugural season and Pires has immediately proclaimed his lofty salary over the duration of the competition.
“If my (club) president likes me, it could be 790,000 euros. It is a lot of money. I’m not going to complain about that am I?" he said. "But I’m not going there as a tourist. It’s a new adventure.”
The development of the league has been driven by the Celebrity Management Group (CMG) in co-operation with the Indian Football Association.
CMG executive director Bhaswar Goswami has already stated his desire to increase the appeal of the league amongst Indian soccer fans by introducing big-name players from Europe.
Based on the country’s successful and innovative cricket competition, the Indian Premier League, Pires and a host of international-renowned footballers will take part in an auction in Kolkata as six clubs bid to land their respective superstars.
Pires, who is currently out of contract after one season at Aston Villa, told L’Equipe that he was ready for the challenge of playing in the sub-continent.
“Since I had nothing in Europe, why not try something completely unknown? I’ve never been over there,” he said.
He continued: “I am proud to be the first Frenchman to go and play there. And eight weeks is nothing."
It has been announced each team will be allocated a budget of two million euros in the inaugural season and Pires has immediately proclaimed his lofty salary over the duration of the competition.
“If my (club) president likes me, it could be 790,000 euros. It is a lot of money. I’m not going to complain about that am I?" he said. "But I’m not going there as a tourist. It’s a new adventure.”
The development of the league has been driven by the Celebrity Management Group (CMG) in co-operation with the Indian Football Association.
CMG executive director Bhaswar Goswami has already stated his desire to increase the appeal of the league amongst Indian soccer fans by introducing big-name players from Europe.
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