India’s cricket captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has been announced as a co-owner of Chennai’s Hero Indian Super League (ISL) club, Chennaiyin FC. The new role is the first official foray into football for the lifelong football fan.Football was Dhoni’s first sport, as he was a goalkeeper for his school team before making the switch to cricket. Dhoni alluded to his love for the sport while speaking at an event held to announce his involvement with the Chennai club. “I used to be a goalkeeper in school and always enjoy playing and watching the game. I wanted to be associated with football so when the opportunity came to be a part of Chennaiyin FC, I was ecstatic!”Dhoni was also delighted at the opportunity to further his association with the city of Chennai, where he is revered for his cricketing exploits. The India wicketkeeper said, “This gives me a chance to connect with the city of Chennai again. Chennai was a natural choice. I have played franchise cricket for this city so I know how supportive they are.”He reserved special praise for the vociferous support accorded to him by a sports-loving Chennai crowd. “This city has a passion for sports and I'm sure it will be the same for Chennaiyin FC. I'm thankful to Chennai for giving me so much love. I am sure all the players will see how much love Chennai gives to their players.”Dhoni joins legendary Indian batsmen Sourav Ganguly (Atlético de Kolkata) and Sachin Tendulkar (Kerala Blasters FC), and current India vice-captain Virat Kohli (FC Goa), as cricketers who have invested in the ISL. Dhoni is certain that this level of involvement, from his fellow sportspersons as well as Bollywood stars (including Chennaiyin FC co-owner Abhishek Bachchan), will help ensure the success of the new league. “The Hero ISL is a fantastic platform for football to grow, with so many big names associated with it. Many important people have been involved in the league,” enthused Dhoni. While titles and trophies are the ultimate goal for the captain who led India to triumphs at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2011 ICC World Cup, and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, Dhoni underlined the importance of a long-term vision with grassroots development at its heart. “It's important to develop the available talent. We are still trying to improve our football standards and I think a team can't make it big unless it has proper development at the grassroots level. I look forward to an exciting season ahead but at the same time it’s important that we develop the grassroots level and produce more football stars in India.”Dhoni appealed to Indian fans to do their part in making the ISL a success. “It's time for the common people to come forward and extend their support. I appeal to all football lovers to come to the stadium and watch the matches, because for a player nothing is more satisfying than playing in front of a full house!”The ISL kicks off on October 12, with Chennaiyin FC’s first game on October 15, away to FC Goa. They will make their home debut at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium against Kerala Blasters FC on October 21.
