© ISLManuel Friedrich had a huge grin on his face all through the launch event of Mumbai City FC. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star is clearly enjoying his stint in the Hero Indian Super League and is eager to share his story with us.“My friends think that I am a perfect fit for India. I am in constant touch with them, sharing details about what I am up to. The heat will take some getting used to. But I am confident that I will master the conditions,” Friedrich says. The former German international central defender is a giant of a man, but his smile is surely winning him friends. “I am lucky that I can make friends easily. I have learnt a few Hindi words too,” he reveals exclusively to indiansuperleague.com.When asked about how he became a part of the Mumbai City set-up, Friedrich discloses that he was first contacted three months ago: “My agent told me about the offer and I was immediately piqued by the challenge. The Mumbai City team have been highly professional in their approach and I was fascinated by their vision and commitment towards the improvement of Indian football.”When the conversation moved on to Ranbir Kapoor, the German’s eyes instantly lit up. “He is a very passionate person. His energy and commitment has impressed me,” he gushes.It is apparent that Friedrich is one of the funny guys in the squad. His jokes and constant banter were a feature of the Mumbai side’s camaraderie during the launch event. When asked about his favourite Indian dish, Manuel is quick to let fly, “daal”, and delivers his punch-line after a pause, “Because there is so much of it!” And how will the ex-Champions League participant lend his experience to his team-mates? Friedrich responds in a succinct manner, “Football is the language here. I’ll make sure that I pass on whatever I think is vital to our cause. I have played in the Bundesliga for more than a decade and there is a lot of wisdom that I have accumulated. I think my team will definitely benefit from that experience.”Football is the language here. I’ll make sure that I pass on whatever I think is vital to our cause. I have played in the Bundesliga for more than a decade and there is a lot of wisdom that I have accumulated. I think my team will definitely benefit from that experience.Manuel Friedrich, Mumbai City FCThe conversation then drifted to the topic of heavyweights and the name of Alessandro Del Piero cropped up. Asked if he also wanted to promote the ISL, Friedrich replies, “Actually, I was on board way before any of the heavyweights signed up. So I am the first and, of course, I would like to champion the cause of the ISL whenever possible.” Is this his first visit to India? “No, it is my second visit. I have been here before and I have experienced all this sweating and humidity before,” he chuckles.His blue eyes twinkled when we questioned him about his favourite footballing memory, “Securing first division Bundesliga status with Mainz. It is undoubtedly one of my fondest memories. My team-mates and I gave it our all, and the end-result shall always be close to my heart.”Manuel signed off in his inimitable style with an interesting revelation. “My favourite song is this Tamil song that I have been hearing. I do not know the name of the artist but the song is beautiful.”