Premier Futsal 2016: Why Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs decided to play in India

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs compared futsal with Twenty20 cricket, saying the format is quick and different from 90-minute football. "We have seen how Twenty20 format has brought younger people, a newer audience to cricket. Hopefully this will be the same for futsal because it is quick. It is similar to Twenty20 cricket, it's instant and different from 90-minute football," said Giggs who is playing for Mumbai 5s in the ongoing Premier Futsal.

Asked about his motive behind taking part in tournament, Giggs said, "There are number of reasons. First I had never been to India before so I was quite keen to come to India. Also I like the concept, the legends (taking part), the futsal players and also local talent," he told reporters.

Shared his own experience of playing futsal for the first time, Giggs said: "It is a completely different game and I have never played it before. People who had played it before warned me so I was getting more and more nervous closer to the tournament. First time when you kick the futsal it is heavier. It is like a medicine ball and it is so quick and tactical. I have learnt a lot and enjoyed it." Giggs' side Mumbai 5s will face Kolkata 5s in the semi-final tomorrow.

Giggs also hinted that he might feature in the second edition of the league in January next year. "That's the plan at the moment. Obviously this was the first time and I think it has gone off great and I am looking forward to coming back in January," he said. 

He said the tournament has come as a blessing for Indian players as they are getting an opportunity to rub shoulders with some big names of world football.
"It is an education for them (Indian players). I think it is our job really to help young Indian players who perhaps haven't played this standard. They will eventually go up if they train hard and have the right coach," Giggs said.

Asked about his team's chances in tomorrow's semifinal, Giggs said, "Obviously every team in the semis now has got a chance. It's knock-out. You have to make less mistakes. When you look at the four teams anyone of them can win it. All the teams had good performances.

Apart from coaching and educating the youth about the beautiful game, India needs a vision to move ahead in football, believes former Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs. "First of all you need a vision, a short term vision and a long term vision and you stick to that vision. You need the interest and so this is what we are trying to do with Futsal," Giggs said when asked what is needed for India to move ahead in ranks in football.

"Get more interest within the game, within football within the younger generation. In Wales it's quite similar, we have rugby and football and in India, it is cricket and cricket is the main sport, also there are a lot of people who enjoy watching and playing football as well," he told reporters here today.
 

 "Coaching needs to be right, so the young players need the right education and coaching and facilities, but you need a vision and someone to have that vision and implement it. You have seen with Iceland, you have seen with Wales, as long as you have vision and you stick to it, you can be successful." Wales had reached the semi-finals at this year Euro, while Iceland lost in the quarterfinals. 

Asked whether he is surprised with the performance of Wales at the tournament, Giggs quipped, "I wasn't surprised with the performances because they showed it in the group, they come out, it was a tough group, obviously surprised to get to the semi-final as no one expected that. "But not surprised as they did well, in the end they could have quite easily won, a couple of suspensions hurt them, but it was a fantastic competition for Wales and it just captured the imagination of the nation." 

Giggs, who was the former assistant manager of football club Manchester United, where he played throughout his professional career, says he is looking to be a manager but won't rush for the job.
"Ya, I am looking to be a manager and that's what I want to do first and foremost. If the right offer comes, I will jump it and I am not in rush, but at the same time, I don't want to leave it too long." Asked whether he has any offers, Giggs said, "No, I am just enjoying myself at the moment. I did a bit of media work at the Euros and obviously came here for the Futsal. So no at the moment, I'm just relaxed and enjoying bit of free time."