The Indian Super League (ISL) may have made a marked difference to India's presence on the world football map, but former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre believes the country needs to put infrastructure in place for sustained growth.
India languish at number 147 on the latest FIFA rankings, which is hardly an indicator of the considerable steps the game's popularity in the country has taken since the ISL last year. And while Silvestre acknowledges that, he has absolutely no doubt that the key to take that growth to the next level is better facilities to better harness the talent pool.
"India should work on infrastructure and academies to produce players, and AIFF should improve the level of I-League, so that more players are produced at the top level. It will help I-League and national team in the country to grow," the former United full-back told IBNLive Sports at the UNITED LIVE event in New Delhi.
Continuing on the I-league, Silvestre was not averse to the idea of its merger with the ISL but said it's too soon to talk on those lines. "In future, the two leagues can merge together but it's too early. I think it's important for both the leagues to taste success individually at the moment," he said.
Silvestre was also quick to point at the 2017 Under-17 World Cup to be held in India, saying that such events will only help the game's development.
"Every time there is a major tournament, [infrastructural] improvements are made by the government, and it's the duty of the authorities to get facilities under place, and I hope it's the same with India. That would benefit afterwards for the local teams and young players in the country," the ex-Red Devil said.
When asked what has been the biggest change for Manchester United FC under manager Louis van Gaal as compared to David Moyes, Silvestre smartly worked around his answer. "The major difference has been the league position. The main aim for the club was to be back in Champions League and they have achieved the objective, so that has been the only the major change this season," he replied.
The former French international also said his contract with Chennaiyin FC (CFC) in the Indian Super League was over and he's now a 'free player'.
"I had a one-season contract with CFC...That makes me a free player after the inaugural edition," the two-time World Cupper told reporters.
The ex-United man, who has played twice in the World Cup, won the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League five times while his stay at Old Trafford.
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