Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes has signed a marquee deal to play for the next three editions of Premier Futsal, with the inaugural season scheduled to be held next month, the League announced today.
"Futsal is a fascinating format that has played a pivotal role in developing the skills of some of the greatest football players. I have seen Futsal grow not just back home, but also across the world and I have played in a few of those tournaments," said the former midfield ace who won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies during his stint with the famous English club.
"Premier Futsal will be a great way to introduce the sport to India and I'm looking forward to meeting the fans across India who I know are some of the most passionate in the world," said Scholes who appeared 718 times for Manchester United during an illustrious career spanning 22 years.
The league has already unveiled Alessandro Rosa Vieira, the sport's most renowned player fondly known as Falcao, and 19 other international futsalers earlier, including ex-Portugal star Deco who was the first marquee signing.
It's a private and semi-professional league promoted by Xavier Britto of Indev Group.
Scholes has become the second of the eight marquee players who would will be a part of Premier Futsal commencing on July 15, the release said, adding players would be allotted teams through a player draft which is slated to take place later this month.
On his experience with Indian players, Scholes said, "I hope so (my presence and experience has helped them). The point is to try and get young Indian players playing more. From what I have seen in my team, they (Indians) are very studious and trying to learn all the time, and some of the Indian players have scored quite a few goals in this tournament," he added.
Asked if he was familiar with Indian football, Scholes quipped, "Not really."
"(It's) first time that I met some of these Futsal (players). We don't really follow and (the sport) is not popular in England, there may be couple of (futsal) leagues in England. From now on, I will start watching (the sport) and there is World Cup in September."
On whether he would like to come for the Premier Futsal next season, Scholes said, "Yeah, it's been really enjoyable two weeks. Whether I am interested to make (to the next season) I am not sure, its been great two weeks. On football side it's not been a good experience but I have been watching, some great players."
Asked what India needs to do in football, Scholes said the country should focus on the grassroot, from children of 4-5-6 years of age, and inculcate interest of the sport on them.
"It is difficult when cricket is the main sport. It is difficult to introduce another sport, but with the help of ISL, bringing players, hopefully attract more people to the game and if you can start the coaching early it will be a big benefit."
Asked about his future plans apart from Futsal, Scholes said, "Just continue as a Pundit. If there is something that interests me on the coaching side, then possibly (take up the job). There has not been anything so far."
Scholes said he has no doubt that Ryan Giggs will be a "brilliant manager" but it's upto him to decide what he (Giggs) wants to do.
