An Argentinean at heart, French in nationality and one who played his best football in Italy, David Trezeguet is undoubtedly one of the best strikers of his generation.
Part of Les Bleus who won the World Cup-European Championship double in 1998 and 2000, the 37-year-old former Juventus striker is now at FC Pune City in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL).
Excerpts:
What are your early impressions of India?
Good. But it is important for the level of the game to keep improving. It will over time. It is a great adventure and will certainly get better.
You have played in the best leagues in the world. What made you come here?
For a new experience in life. Also, to give a hand and promote football in India and to show how professional footballers play in Europe and around the world.
What are the Indian players getting from you?
Basically professionalism. Learning day by day from experienced players on how they train, their attitude and dedication to the game.
You are 37 and yet look in good shape. But is it tougher in India’s humid conditions especially when you have to travel so much?
We have to adapt. It’s the coach’s job to keep us fresh. Since we play so many games in a week, he has to rotate the squad. Some will play less some more. But that’s fine.
You started your career in South America. Has its football changed since the days you left?
The last World Cup final was Germany versus Argentina. So things have changed for the better. Potential players come from South America but they play in Europe because clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich have the money and prestige. Lionel Messi, Neymar, James Rodriguez, Luis Suarez are all at the highest level in Europe.
How long do you plan to stay in the ISL?
It has been a good experience. But for the future, ISL has to look at itself, see how it has gone and what steps to take for the next edition. It has been an important step for Indian football. We will see how it goes and then take a decision.
