British star draws up his own football team made up of tennis stars with Djokovic in defense and Nadal on left flank
You can feel the World Cup fever in Paris too. A day before his blockbuster semifinal against Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray took time out to create a 'fantasy football team' comprising tennis players. Speaking to Roland-Garros TV, Murray came up with a rather impressive XI, with him playing centre forward.
Choosing a 4-3-3 formation, the Wimbledon champion chose Frenchman Michael Llodra as his goalkeeper. "He plays well up at the net, and has fast reactions. He probably thinks he should play in the outfield but I think he will be a better goalkeeper," Murray said.
Talking of defenders, Murray put his faith in doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia and big-serving Pole Jerzy Janowicz. "I have never seen Zimonjic kick a football, but I know he will make a good centre-back because he is aggressive. Also, I'd like to see Janowicz. He is a big guy," Murray said.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic will complete the defensive line-up. "I played once against Tsonga and I remember he played right-back. So I'll put him there. He is very powerful. He will be good at defending and attacking. Djoko played left-back. Strangely enough, he is left-footed," Murray revealed.
The Dunblane native wasted no time in picking his midfield generals. "I'll have Rafa on the left (right ahead of Djokovic). He is pretty good. Also, (David) Ferrer. He is a good defensive midfielder. He can tackle very well," Murray said. Just then, the interviewer reminded him that he hadn't picked a female player. "(Amelie) Mauresmo," Murray replied. She is a very good football player," he said of the former Wimbledon champion from France.
Murray chose an impressive frontline comprising himself, and retired professionals Marcos Baghdatis and Sebastien Grosjean. "But he is out of shape now," Murray said of Grosjean. The interviewer then suggested that Murray choose Italy's Fabio Fognini. "I have not seen him play ever. Well, he gets an off. He would keep arguing with the referee. I'll get back to you about that last slot," Murray said. But because he said Grosjean first, we are going with him.
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