No dearth of football talent in India, says Samir Nasri

Friday December 10, 2010 07:10:14 PM, IANS

New Delhi: French international and Arsenal in-form midfielder Samir Nasri believes there is no dearth of football talent in India and said a world-class player from the region is important for the game.

Nasri, who is of Algerian origin, said the world is waiting to see a star footballer from India.

"There is tremendous talent in this (India) country. Everyone wants to see Asian players doing well on the world stage. The South Koreans and Japanese are doing it to a certain extent, but people want see household names emerging from India and China," Nasri said in an electronic interview Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, currently the top-scorer for Arsenal with eight goals, expressed his desire to play alongside an Indian national in the Arsenal T-shirt.

"I would love to play with an Indian or a Chinese. In fact, I hope the Asian footballers get more opportunities to play in England. It will be great for the football scene in their countries," he said.

Players of Asian origins are often overlooked by foreign clubs because of their small built. But Nasri, himself not being so tall and doing exceptionally well in international football, dismissed the claims of the skeptics.

"I think that is a stupid argument. Had height been an issue, player like Xavi (Hernandez) and (Andres) Iniesta would not have reached the level that they have. It is important for a player to fight on the field and have the spirit to excel."
 

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