IPFL
Ryan Giggs set to play in Indian Premier Futsal League
The Manchester United legend who, this summer, left the club upon the arrival of new manager José Mourinho already has short term plans to remain in the game.
The Manchester United legend who, this summer, left the club upon the arrival of new manager José Mourinho already has short term plans to remain in the game, reports the Independent.
And although he has spend recent years on the sidelines and on the training park supporting various managers at Old Trafford, he will now be getting his boots back on to play in the inaugural Indian Premier Futsal League. Giggs is not the only legend to be gracing the new tournament as he will be joining fellow teammate Paul Scholes, Italian Hernan Crespo, Portugal's Deco and ex-Barcelona genius Ronaldinho, among others. Falcao aka the 'Pele of futsal’ will also be there to show of his incredible skills.
Spain and Brazil have dominated the smaller version of the beautiful game since its inception in 1930 and both remain the top two sides in the world rankings. Spain recently won an unprecedented seventh European title in the game.
The tournament kicks off on 15 July and will finish on 24 July being played in in Chennai and Goa and is a further franchise-based sporting competition to be developed in India following the Premier Leagues of both badminton and cricket. Luis Figo - ex-Real Madrid and Barça star - is the president of the competition (also backed by Indian cricket star Virat Kohli) whose rights are owned by Sony although the India's main footballing body has not recognised the league as an official body.
Paul Scholes spoke about the league and about the sport itself:
“Futsal is a fascinating format that has played a pivotal role in developing the skills of some of the greatest football players. I have seen Futsal grow not just back home, but also across the world and I have played in a few of those tournaments. Premier Futsal will be a great way to introduce the sport to India."
Giggs has made it clear that he wanted the manager's job at Manchester United and with this not being forthcoming he is expected to follow his ambition to manage elsewhere after this tournament.