Jose Ramirez Barreto may have turned 41 today, but the fire still burns in his heart. For come October 2 he plans to don the colours of Sourav Ganguly’s team against Maradona.
“I love challenges. I think Sourav’s team will be a little weak as most people will want to play for Maradona’s side. So I will play for Sourav’s side. This will give the team a little balance. Jokes apart I am doing little bit of practice also as I don’t want to disappoint when I get on to the ground,” Barreto said while inaugurating the Dada V Maradona Match for Unity t-shirt.
“I am a perfectionist. I may not be at my best now but I will try to give my best at the match,” he added.
He was also presented with Durga Darshan ticket that will help him take a tour of 21 top Pujas of Kolkata without the rush. “This is a fabulous concept. I have always wanted to hop pandals during Puja. But it was never possible as the crowd would not let me move. With this ticket I think I will do some rounds of pujas this time for sure,” he said.
Durga Darshan ticket will allow the holders to take a tour of 21 top of the city any of the seven days beginning from Tritiya with a red carpet welcome and AC lounge minimizing crowd, queue and the long hours of wait.
Asked how important was Junior World Cup to India, he said “We have always said that we need to be closer to FIFA and their plans. To have the Junior World Cup here is a fabulous opportunity for Indian football. I am sure the Indian team will give a good account.
They may not win many matches, but will leave their mark. And this will give Indian football the push it deserved. If ISL was a great league to happen in India, this will change Indian football forever,” Barreto gushed.
If he had plans to do something no a more permanent nature in Kolkata, he said: “I want to come here and do something really big. But now is not a time. I will do it soon. Now I have just partnered to launch an orthopedic-cum-rehab centre. Rehab is a major problem in India and with my technical advice I think we will bring some change here.”
Barreto also cut a cake and shared a few clicks before leaving.
