Kerala Blasters FC's marquee player-cum-coach David James may have declared bankruptcy recently (in May) but said that he has not joined the franchise-based India Super League for the money
David James
Kerala Blasters FC's marquee player-cum-coach David James may have declared bankruptcy recently (in May) but said that he has not joined the franchise-based India Super League for the money. "This (joining the ISL) wasn't a financial decision for me. I have aspirations to be a manager after I get my 'A' license. I still love my football and this is another adventure for me," James said at the press conference yesterday.
David James
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Chopra is the first draft pick
Indian-origin footballer Michael Chopra was the first draft pick yesterday. Chopra was chosen by the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned Kerala Blasters for USD 58,185 in the first round of the seven-round draft. However, the striker was not the costliest player picked. That distinction went to French central defender Bernard Mendy, who commanded USD 80,000 and was drafted in by the Chennai franchise.
Who owns new Chennai franchise?
The eighth team in the inaugural ISL will be based in Chennai instead of Bangalore, ISL's Anupam Dutta revealed yesterday. The Sun Group-promoted Bangalore franchise had pulled out after a disagreement with the tournament organisers. However, organisers of the ISL surprisingly did not reveal who the owners of the new Chennai franchise are. They did mention that the franchise will have a partnership with Italian powerhouse Inter Milan though.