XtraTime Web Desk: Legendary Argentine former forward Hernan Crespo is very much excited about the Indian Football & he doesn’t rule out a possibility of becoming a professional.
The lucrative Indian Super League, which runs into sixth editions, boasts of many former International stars and the 44-year-old Argentine, who had earlier come to India as part of the Premier Futsal launch in Chennai, says he is aware of the crowd passion in the country.
“I remember two tournaments — ISL and I League. I know about the passion. I know this country loves football. You never know… Every time you call me I am here,” Crespo said in a select media interaction here.
Here in the city as the ambassador of TSK 25K run, the prolific Argentine further spoke about six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and said his illustrious compatriot does not need to win a World Cup to prove that he’s the best.
Putting Messi alongside the likes of Diego Maradona and Pele, he said: “Messi doesn’t need that (to win a World Cup to be great player). In the whole history I think of five things — Pele, (Alfredo Stefano) Di Stefano, (Johan) Cruyff, (Diego) Maradona and there is Messi.”
“I grew up without thinking about Ballon d’Or because at that time when I was young the Ballon d’Or was given to only the European players. I don’t go with this ambition. It is a personal trophy. I think football as a team sport. It is important to receive this kind of award. It is not about my spirit. I don’t think in terms of ambition to win Ballon d’Or.”
He however hoped that Messi gets to finally lift the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
“I hope (Messi winning the WC in 2022). Will be very hard. This is really our dream, I hope he tries again. The first one is Copa America. We host in Argentina and Colombia and we have a good chance to lift the Copa America.”
“Mario Kempes was also special for us, then Batistuta. Lot of great strikers. Diego is from another planet. There will be Messi with Diego. Batistuta is the best striker ever in Argentina. Messi somewhere nearer.”
The former Chelsea star further rated English Premier League as the best league.
“In my heart it’s Serie A but at the same time now EPL is the best. When I was in Italy the name of the Serie A was seven sisters because the seven teams had a chance to win. Not anymore. The same with EPL now. Tottenham, Manchester, Arsenal, Chelsea. So competitive,” the former Inter Milan forward said.
A prolific striker, the Argentinian has scored over 300 goals in a career spanning 19 years. At international level, Crespo scored 35 goals and is Argentina’s fourth highest goal scorer behind only Sergio Agüero, Gabriel Batistuta and Lionel Messi.
In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players. Crespo never received a red card during his career.
“For me, I came to Italy when I was young I played against Baresi. For me, it was avery tough situation because I worked in the morning in Argentina towards the matches and I remember Baresi in AC Milan and I play against him. It was more than a dream to play in Italy and this achievement was very tough.”