Mumbai, July 10 (IANS) Delhi Dynamos’ marquee player-cum-manager Roberto Carlos on Friday said that at the age of 42 he may be past his prime but he is mentally strong, adding that India will see the best of the Brazilian legend in the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) starting October 3.
“You will see the best of me in the upcoming season. I am practicing and training every day. At 42 years, the quality does go down but mentally I am very strong,” Carlos said at a press conference here.
“We are looking forward to get the best players for the team. Quality of Indian players is very high. Now this is the time to show the motivation and the quality that they have to the world. This is the thing we will be focusing on in the ISL. I am trying to take out the best possible players and show it to the world, this will be my objective,” the former Real Madrid star said.
After initially being the marquee manager of the team, he turned the marquee manager-cum-player after he visited India. When asked what made him turn up for both the jobs, he said: “I am always ready to play. I am always working as a serious trainer. The only thing I like from my heart is playing football. I don’t want to play a low level football, my level is always high. Now Indian people will see the best of me.
“I am very happy to be here. This is my first visit.”
Delhi bought India football team forward Robin Singh. When asked why his side didn’t go for national captain Sunil Chhetri, Carlos, who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America with Brazil, clarified, “Everything that took place today was actually pre-planned. When the matches will start you will see the results. We were very much aware what we are going to take.”
Speaking about his coaching and training skills, he said: “I have been a trainer for some time in Turkish league, which is one of the toughest leagues. After the Turkish League, I am focusing on the ISL. I am trying to bring on the best for the team.”
When asked if language would be a factor when he interacts with the players, he said: “The players are super intelligent. Football has only one language, to win, to win, to win.”