On August 10, 2003 two players made their debut for Manchester United. One went on to win three league titles and the Champions League in six dazzling years. The other made all of 20 appearances in two years before frittering away. The careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Djemba Djemba then never crossed each others. The former went on to win awards as coveted as the FIFA Ballon d’or while the other became a typical journeyman hovering from club to club across countries.
But Djemba Djemba, the 33-year-old Cameroonian, says he has ‘no regrets’ and is richer for the experience. He shared his thoughts with The Hindu after signing for Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League.
Why did you choose Chennaiyin FC?
My agent talked to me first. Then I spoke to (Mikael) Silvestre and (Bernard) Mendy. Silvestre is older and has a lot of experience having played in England, France, Italy etc. So he said it’s a good team to come and play for. And greats like (Alessandro) Del Piero, Marco (Materazzi) are here. So I thought it was a great opportunity.
You have said before that you want to play till 36 or 37. Now you are 33. In that sense how will this stint help you?
I consider it as a growth opportunity. It’s important for me to play (regularly). I want continue playing till 37 or 38. I will enjoy this tournament first and then think whether to stay or move. For now I want to win this tournament.
You are known as a tough midfielder who breaks up attacks. Materazzi has played in that role in the last two matches. So what will your role be?
I haven’t discussed it yet with Marco. I am professional and play for the team. But I can sit in front of the defence and break up attacks. So, I will be happy to share that burden with him.
Tell us about the days you played with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
It was great. Both were young. Cristiano was around 16 or 17. He used to live with his mother. I used to live alone. And he used to be always with me, during training and afterwards. He used to come to my house. And today he is one of the best in the world. Rooney too. He is a very tough guy and has great mentality. I am happy to see them where they are.
When you played for Manchester, you weren’t a big star one generally associates with United. How did you cope with that?
It’s part of life. I have learnt from that. When I joined Manchester I was very young. I was coming from nowhere. Roy Keane was injured then. So I played for one and half years. But when Keane came back, he had to play because he was the captain.
So I think it was a bit too early. I think I was at the right place but not at the right time. Alex Ferguson, who first signed me, met me later when I was playing in Denmark. I was 27 or 28 then and much more mature. He said, ‘I wish I could take you back’.
What are your first impressions of India?
People are friendly. When I landed in Mumbai, some Manchester fans recognised me and wished me luck. It was nice.
