Bhaichung Bhutia, an Indian football great, issued a solid remark on the possibilities of young Indian talent playing overseas in the Premier League ecosystem. In a candid interview with NDTV at an event celebrating a partnership between Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) and Premier League giants Southampton on the development of grassroots football in India, Bhutia did not rule out the possibility of Indian players becoming a direct part of Southampton’s football ecosystem. He also agreed with India’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, that young Indian players must be instilled with the desire to play overseas.
Bhutia remarked that the connection with Southampton might result in Indian talent joining the Southampton environment, but he highlighted one essential factor. Southampton has historically nurtured players like Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, and Alan Shearer.
“There must be a standout talent. We need to begin qualifying for the U17, U19, and U21 World Cups on merit. “If we can develop a highly talented player, our goal is to send them to a Premier League club like Southampton,” Bhutia stated. Southampton icon Matt Le Tissier, the first footballer to record 100 Premier League goals from midfield, claimed that the tandem will assist Southampton as well.
This is one of the partnership’s goals. We hope that some excellent players emerge, and Southampton will profit from that in the long run,” stated Le Tissier “Hopefully this is a long-term partnership that helps both Indian football and Southampton,” he said.
Earlier, India head coach Manolo Marquez declared unequivocally that he wants Indian footballers to travel overseas and escape the comforts of playing and living in India and the Indian Super League (ISL). Bhutia expressed the same ideas. Listen to the newest songs only on JioSaavn.com. “First and foremost, we must realize that Indian football is still a developing nation. For any country to succeed, we must ensure that