Here are some of the Indian cricketers and their favourite football clubs.
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India is a cricket devotee country, but football is gradually getting spread across the country. Cricketers have also been explicit in their support by regularly attending games and supporting their favourite football team. Like Harry Kane and Virat Kohli, footballers and cricketers have often met to promote both the games as well.
In this slideshow, we shall know the favourite football clubs of the top five Indian cricketers.
#5 Sourav Ganguly:
Sourav Ganguly was pictured at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea took on Manchester United in 2017. The former Indian Skipper divulged that he became a Manchester United fan when he was playing cricket with Lancashire in England county. His attendance to London came as a surprise, but his allegiance is always towards Manchester United.
In an earlier interview to Xtra Time, Ganguly was quoted as saying, “Manchester United is my favourite club, especially when David Beckham used to play. Now the attachment is lesser, but its still there. When I went to play for Lancashire county, it was then that I fell in love with the Premier League, and Manchester United.”
Dada promoted football in India by acquiring ATK during the inception of the club and quit two years before.
#4 MS Dhoni:
Former Indian Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an avid fan of Manchester United. The wicketkeeper has always been promoting football in India for the Premier League on Star Sports.
“I am an avid EPL fan and I just played out a real situation in front of the camera,” said Dhoni. “If I am not busy with cricket, I am always busy with EPL during week-ends. Football is extremely exciting and very close to my heart. I was a goalkeeper during my school days. Even today, I play football as a warm up game ahead of key cricket matches.” said MS Dhoni in an interview.
MS Dhoni is the current owner of the Indian Super League club Chennaiyin FC.
#3 Rahul Dravid:
Rahul Dravid is a Gunner. The Wall, like the fellow Arsenal fans, hates Manchester United with passion. He fell for Arsene Wenger’s philosophy, who orchestrated the football in the early 2000s. Dravid publicly stated that he Arsene Wenger’s intellectual and professional style made him an Arsenal fan and added ‘Anybody but Manchester United’.
#2 Virat Kohli:
Virat Kohli has been publicly stating his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and supports his old club Real Madrid. The Portuguese International is one of the complete players, says the Indian Skipper.
“Yeah I support Real Madrid,” he told NDTV. “It’s mainly because of Cristiano Ronaldo. I used to support Manchester United when he was playing there. Now my loyalties have shifted because of him. I think he is a truly amazing player. I love watching him play.”
When asked about football’s popularity in the country, Kohli said, “Football is a sport that is loved globally and it’s great to see so many kids having an interest in football apart from cricket as well in India.”
“I really hope this sport grows in India because there are so many people that love football in India. We need to have a good infrastructure and more players coming out of India. I completely love the sport and its personally heartening to see so many kids having a lot of interest in football apart from cricket also.”
Virat Kohli was the owner of Indian Super League club FC Goa.
#1 Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar said he once enjoyed watching the game with Sir Bobby Charlton in Manchester United. He was once the ambassador for the Red Devils.
He said: “I attended a Manchester United match and obviously Sir Bobby Charlton was there, so we watched the game together. It was a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed the atmosphere there.”
“ The fan engagement and how they respond to every little thing that they do is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and it was a memorable one. Just to be Manchester United’s guest was special.”
Sachin Tendulkar was also the owner of Kerala Blasters before parting ways in 2017.
