Having played top class football at home and internationally for years, the lure of playing in a country which he had visited in the past as a tourist drew German footballer Manuel Friedrich to the upcoming Indian Super League.
The 34-year-old defender, who missed out on gaining selection for Germany in the 2006 World Cup and has played for top Bundesliga clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen and Mainz 05, will be representing Mumbai City FC, owned by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, in the ISL which kicks off on October 12.
Friedrich, who started his football career in the mid 1990s, is expected to be the backbone of the Mumbai franchise's defence in ISL with his aerial skills.
In an interaction with PTI, the only footballer in ISL to have seen action in last season's UEFA Champions League talks about his past experiences and the challenges he will face in ISL. Excerpts:
Q: What brings you from the top Bundesliga to an unknown entity called Indian Super League?
Friedrich: The strong wish for an exciting professional challenge. And the right timing. My wife and I used to travel through parts of Asia for many years now as we have always been curious to experience more of the plenty different ways of living, people and the cultures. We always came back home with so many amazing memories and therefore, agreed that we have to go and live in one of the travelled countries one day. With her seeking a change in her career and my contract coming to an end, it was the perfect time. And joining the ISL Mumbai franchise in India definitely feels like the right decision.
Q: Who approached you to play in ISL and when exactly did you come to know that such a league is to be launched?
F: I have an Indian friend who told me about this plan to form a Super League in India about half a year ago. But that this is actually happening was only brought to my attention by an agent, who contacted me.
Q: Will you be the Marquee player of the franchise?
F: I am not the marquee player.
