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Diego Forlan Urges Cricket-Obsessed India to Focus on Grassroots Football
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News18•05-10-2026, 19:00
Diego Forlan Urges Cricket-Obsessed India to Focus on Grassroots Football
- •Diego Forlan believes India can become a stronger football force by investing heavily in grassroots academies and youth development.
- •The former Uruguay striker and Mumbai City player emphasized the importance of regular matches against elite international teams like Brazil and Uruguay.
- •Forlan warned his team to respect India ahead of their international friendly at the Salt Lake Stadium, noting the hosts' dangerous attacking potential.
- •He fondly recalled his time in the Indian Super League, praising the passionate football culture in cities across Kerala, Goa, and the Northeast.
Key Questions Answered
Diego Forlan stated that India is a work in progress due to cricket's overwhelming popularity, but believes the country can produce top-level players by investing in grassroots academies and exposing youngsters to high-level competition and elite opposition.
Diego Forlan returned to the national setup as the head coach of both the senior national team and the under-20 side for Uruguay.
India came into their match against Uruguay following a 1-1 draw against Panama and a spirited performance against Brazil, where the five-time world champions ultimately secured a 4-0 victory.
