Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage's great Indian adventure: From football to cricket and barber shops to 'naan'

Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage are in love with India.

Weeks after Coldplay’s new song Hymn for the Weekend came out showcasing India in all its cliches, creating quite a stir, former Premier League players and current BT Sport football pundits Ferdinand and Savage got a taste of the real India in their recent visit.

As part of their global commitment to support football among the youth, British broadcast giant BT Sport organised a football workshop for young footballers in Delhi. Rio and Robbie were a part of that workshop, and many other adventures in their trip.

It looks like Manchester United great was apprehensive at first.

  But then Rio and Robbie had a blast of a first day.  

Day 1 in #India with @RobbieSavage8 for @btsport Supporters Club and @sportrelief pic.twitter.com/oXROtOVs46

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 9, 2016

Great first day over in #India with the @btsport team... Inspirational! pic.twitter.com/aQJ3u3Qs62

— Robbie Savage (@RobbieSavage8) February 9, 2016

The culture, the colours, the noise & the sheer volume of cars & people here in India is unreal....what a place. Inspiring day so far...

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) February 9, 2016

Rio and Robbie met with school kids and it looks like it wasn’t just the kids who learnt something. The pundits too took away a lot from the meeting.    

 Rio and Robbie also met the kids over at the Magic Bus, an NGO in Delhi that uses sports and activities to drive change in community.  

  And it looks like they had a blast with the kids.   

And of course they played football. Spoilers: Rio’s team won.

  And some obligatory cricket. When in Rome..  

In their Indian adventure, Rio and Robbie seemed to be amazed by everyday things in India. From graffiti advertisements

  to an auto rickshaw.   

Rio found the best place to get a haircut and a shave…

  …and also prepared some naan!  

It seems the colours and diversity of India has left Rio Ferdinand amazed.

The football greats also engaged in multiple activities involving children, including training sessions and interactive events.

Rio had an experience to remember and hopefully the kids he met will be inspired to do amazing things.

“We have had a fantastic time in India, coming out here training with you guys and the coaches — I think they need to be given a lot of credit for giving their time, their energy and for the enthusiasm of the young players. “Keep playing, keep working hard, keep practicing and hopefully one of you guys will make it to the Indian national team and be the guy that everyone looks up to you, be the inspiration,” the former Manchester United defender said.

“Enjoy football; play with a smile on your face, that’s the most important thing. Thank you for having us. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” said Savage.

We hope you guys will be back and get more football greats along with you.

With inputs from PTI