Press Trust of India Posted online: Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 1218 hours IST Updated: Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 1247 hours IST
Kolkata, November 24: Impressed by the passion for the game in India, Italian soccer powerhouse AC Milan would consider extending assistance for raising the standard of football in the country.
"AC Milan will consider that (helping India improve in its soccer standard). We cannot confirm it, but will definitely consider to do something in future," Milan's goodwill ambassador for the ongoing tour of its junior side, Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo said.
"For us, it was a big surprise to see the passion for the game in this country. I would love to come here again," the celebrated former Brazilian World Cupper said after the match against the Bengal under-21 side at the Salt Lake stadium.
Stating that the country was known for its strength in cricket and hockey, the Brazilian said "I hope it does well in football also in future. India can build relations with European soccer clubs to achieve that".
Impressed by the aggressive display by Bengal colts, who sprang a surprise winning the match against Milan junior 2-1, Leonardo said "India should go for exchange programmes like Japan did to succeed in world football".
The 36-year-old former World Cupper, who himself spent over half an hour on the ground, had special praise for Bengal striker Ayan Chowdhury and said "even at their early twenties these boys are quite strong minded and passionate. They are very fast but needs to restraint a bit sometimes to retain control over proceedings".
