FC Pune City fans couldn’t hold back their euphoria when the news of their marquee signing for Hero Indian Super League (ISL) Season 2015 broke. Fiorentina legend Adrian Mutu would spearhead the attack for the Maharashtra side come this October.When we spent a few minutes in conversation with Mutu, he was delighted to share his thoughts on India’s latest footballing venture. “Romania and India are culturally very different, which is why I am very happy and excited to be a part of the ISL and discover India. I have done some research about the League, too, and I know it is going to get stronger year after year. Just take the first and the second season - the second is much bigger! This is going to be [a] new country and [a] new world. [I] am very excited, looking forward to come and play there and have big results for FC Pune City.”But what do Europeans think of India and football? “It has had a great impact on Europe and of course, we have to congratulate the people behind this league for the efforts to make the Indian Super League happen. In five years [from] now, this championship is going to become bigger and bigger and you [are] going to have a great soccer culture in India.”We asked him about his league career in Europe. He said, “Serie A - the most wonderful time of my career, playing for the Italian clubs, especially Fiorentina and Juventus. I have played with many coaches in my entire career. But my coach at Parma and then at AFC Fiorentina, Cesare Prandelli was the best one I played with in my career.”"I won’t be surprised if more and more stars join the ISL in the years to come."Adrian MutuHe has many honours to his name. But ask him about the highlight of his footballing life, and he says,” It’s the titles that I won with the clubs I played, the goals that I scored, being the all-time top-scorer of Romania. Also having more than 250 goals till date and as an individual player, being the Romanian Player of the year six times and thrice the best player in Italy are all my highlights.”His technique and experience make him a key element in the FC Pune City squad.” But it's very important to maintain fitness to put this technique in place. We still have a month-long pre-season with Pune and that is when I'll look to come to full sharpness.” He hopes to make the best of this season, “Score goals, make assists and most importantly connect with the purpose of the club. When the club wins, everyone wins. I have had a great career so far. I used to play for the best teams in Europe and I played top games against best clubs. On the national front as well, I have been my country's best player. It's been a lot of fun winning those titles and I am looking forward to some more. My expectation is to give everything I have in my power in India. “For Mutu, big names joining the League is an indicator of progress. “I won’t be surprised if more and more stars join the ISL in the years to come.” But who has been his best ‘big name’ in the world of football, he has shared the stage with? “The best I have played alongside has to be Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] during my stint at Juventus. He always kept on working to improve himself. I have met few players who are as passionate as Ibrahimovic.”Adrian Mutu asked his fans to keep pouring in the love. “I was very happy to see so many turned up to speak to me the day I was unveiled via Skype. Their support will be crucial for us to make a winning campaign.”
