Sylvain Monsoreau
Interview ~ MetroNews 2014/10/10
Sylvain Monsoreau has passed his thirties. The former Sochaux-player
displays almost 230 matches in Ligue 1 and have had a complicated
experience with Saint-Etienne and Troyes last year. Yet at age 33, the
fullback has not said its last word, like other elders of the Ligue 1, he went
to play in India, where the Indian Super League begins this Sunday An
exotic destination on which he told us everything.
How did you take the decision to go play in a championship as exotic?
Monsoreau: I had not played for a year after complicated experiences in
Troyes and Saint-Etienne. I kept training and staying fit, but it is not easy
without playing. I had some offers from the the CFA and National, but
nothing more. The clubs didn't trust me because I hadn't played this season. I received a call from Bruno Satin [a French agent, note] who managed most of the contracts with the Indian Super League, and he presented the project and I said yes in three days. I can play again, enriching me culturally.
This is a new adventure or a last challenge?
Monsoreau: I know that in France, at age 33, it's old, but I can still play a few seasons. I have the urge. I continued to train during my free period, but when the transfer window arrived, there was a problem of visibility. Some people have inquired but they told me they didn't want to take any risks. Here, I can prove that I still have the level and for the winter transfer window, I'll have a reference. And it can also open up opportunities in other Asian Championships.
Indian investors have the financial resources to create this Championship. For you, the players, isn't it also a good financial operation?
Monsoreau: It's more interesting than a year in the CFA, but it is not a whopping contract. For the "Marquee Player", contracts are probably bigger than ours. But otherwise, all European players have the same contract. At least for me, Bernard Mendy, with whom I was on probation UNFP, or Apoula Edel (ex-PSG), who is my teammate in Kolkata, the financial aspect was at the margin reflection. It's not like signing in Qatar or China.
This Championship created from scratch will be enough to get out of anonymity football in India?
Monsoreau: Obviously, here cricket is the big sport. But European football competitions are followed, including the Premier League. But locally, there are many fans, we felt it once we arrived. Indian teammates have told me that there is a derby in Calcutta that attracts 120,000 people in the stadium. So I think that yes, there's potential. After, sport itself is underdeveloped, one must create training centers to tactical culture.
