Ian Hume speaks to DNA.
With the kick-off of the fifth edition of Indian Super League (ISL) a few days away, Pune FC have made an excellent signing. They have roped in Canadian footballer and leading goal-scorer of the ISL, Iain Hume.
Football has not always been kind to Hume, who has been hit by injuries throughout his career.
The worst of his injuries still remains the one he suffered while playing for Barnsley in 2008. While chasing an aerial ball, the Scotland-born striker was struck by the elbow of an opponent that left him a huge scar around his skull.
Hume was forced out of action for nine long months and interestingly his first shot on comeback was a header!
Ten years later, Hume now with Pune FC, is again on the bench because of an injury he suffered last season while he was with Kerala Blasters. The injury turned out to be more serious than it looked initially.
Hume, who underwent a surgery recently and is undergoing rehab right now, spoke to DNA exclusively about his injury, his love for Liverpool FC, the state of football in India and more.
What convinced you to join Pune FC?
Hume: To be honest, FC Pune have showed a great interest in me for the past three seasons now. After things didn’t materialise with my renewal at Kerala Blasters FC, the positive discussions with FCPC management made it an easy decision.
You had a surgery and almost six months of rehab. Do you think you are ready to start a match now?
Hume: Frankly I haven’t fixed a timeline on the recovery, but I am trying my level best to recover and join the main team for training as soon as possible. For now, I am in my recovery sessions and solely concentrated on my next day/week of training, nothing more.
Tell us about your experience at Kerala Blasters. How was it to become one of their major favourite players?
Kerala Blasters FC has a special place in my heart and my days in Kerala will always be a happy memory. I gave them my two seasons there and in turn, they’ve supported me and accepted me as one of their own.
Steven Gerard has been one of your favourites who is managing the Scottish club Rangers. Since you are a Scot by birth, do you think you might have a chance to play for him in the Scottish Premier League?
Stevie G is one of my all-time heroes, but to be honest I don’t think playing in Scotland is on my radar at this point in my career anymore.
You had three good years with Leicester City. What was your reaction when they won the Premier League in 2015-16?
It was great to see a club that I played for have the success they did. It was an incredible achievement for everyone involved with the club.
Ever plan to go back there?
Loved every minute of my 3 years there, but I think they’ll be searching a little bit higher than myself nowadays.
Being a Liverpool supporter, what do you think of their current squad? You think they have a chance this year?
I think after getting the taste last season and making the Champions League Final, they’ll be as hungry as ever this season. I think this is the strongest/deepest squad they’ve had in a long time, so here’s hoping they can push on and maybe push City to the limits.
What do you think of the state and level of football in India? What has made you stick to the Indian Super League?
Indian football is at a developing stage, the footballers are improving rapidly, and the young players are very promising. We can’t compare the Indian football to the other leagues or countries as it is not fair. Indian Super League is the milestone for India football and being a part of this league with supportive and loyal fans over the country makes me come back here. Playing in India is altogether a different experience and learning.
What do you like best about the footballing culture in India?
As I said earlier it is improving and the young players are taking it to a different level. Whenever we are back in India, we try and guide the young players to get better and help them understand the game in various ways. I feel the way football is developing in India, the day isn’t far when Indian footballers will play on a global level.
What is the one thing that attracts you about this country as a foreigner?
Football, fans and people in the country.
A lot of veterans have been moving to Major League Soccer in the US. Do you plan to give it a shot as well, sometime in your career?
I had thought about it 4-5 years ago, but nothing ever materialised. Happy to be playing here and enjoying my football.
Have you thought about managing clubs once you call it quits as a player? Like Gerrard.
It’s something that has crossed my mind. I’ve only got half of my coaching badges at the moment though, so once I’m further down the line with my coaching education, we’ll see what happens.
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